Donald Trump has claimed his approval rating is higher than that of Barack Obama - despite the data he is referring to suggesting the opposite is true.
“The new Rasmussen Poll, one of the most accurate in the 2016 Election, just out with a Trump 50% Approval Rating. That’s higher than O’s #’s,” he wrote in an early morning tweet
Last week, the President had tweeted an image of a Rasmussen Reports poll that put his approval rating at 50 per cent - the first time it had been above 50 per cent since April.
The new Rasmussen Poll, one of the most accurate in the 2016 Election, just out with a Trump 50% Approval Rating.That's higher than O's #'s!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2017
“His approval rating has ranged from a high of 59 per cent in late January shortly after he took office to a low of 42 per cent in early April,” said the polling company.
On Sunday, Mr Trump sought to double down on the positive news by claiming his numbers were higher than those of his predecessor, Barack Obama.
However, data from the same polling company suggests that is not true. Mr Obama entered office on January 20 2009 with an approval rating of 67 per cent. At this same stage of his presidency his rating had slipped to 55 per cent, a level that was still a clear five points higher than Mr Trump.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
US Navy calls off search for 7 missing sailors
The search for seven missing U.S. Navy sailors was called off Sunday after several bodies were recovered from the flooded compartments of the destroyer.
Commander of the Navy’s 7th Fleet told the grim news to reporters at a Navy base in Yokosuka, just south of Tokyo. Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin wouldn’t say how many bodies were found but said the identities of the sailors would be released following notification of the families.
The bodies were found in previously flooded compartments, including sleeping quarters.
Searchers gained access to these spaces that were damaged during the collision and brought the remains to Naval Hospital Yokosuka where they are to be identified, the Navy said in a statement.
The USS Fitzgerald was back at its home port in Yokosuka Naval Base south of Tokyo by sunset Saturday. The Philippine-flagged container ship was berthed at Tokyo’s Oi wharf, where officials were questioning crew members about the cause of the nighttime crash.
After stabilizing the USS Fitzgerald, the destroyer USS Dewey had joined other American and Japanese vessels and aircraft in the search for the missing sailors.
The U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement that the crash damaged two berthing spaces, a machinery room and the radio room. Most of the more than 200 sailors aboard would have been asleep in their berths at the time of the pre-dawn crash.
Water was being pumped out of flooded areas and it was unclear how long it would take to get into the crushed mid-right side of the ship once it was at the pier in Yokosuka, the statement said.
Commander of the Navy’s 7th Fleet told the grim news to reporters at a Navy base in Yokosuka, just south of Tokyo. Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin wouldn’t say how many bodies were found but said the identities of the sailors would be released following notification of the families.
The bodies were found in previously flooded compartments, including sleeping quarters.
Searchers gained access to these spaces that were damaged during the collision and brought the remains to Naval Hospital Yokosuka where they are to be identified, the Navy said in a statement.
The USS Fitzgerald was back at its home port in Yokosuka Naval Base south of Tokyo by sunset Saturday. The Philippine-flagged container ship was berthed at Tokyo’s Oi wharf, where officials were questioning crew members about the cause of the nighttime crash.
After stabilizing the USS Fitzgerald, the destroyer USS Dewey had joined other American and Japanese vessels and aircraft in the search for the missing sailors.
The U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement that the crash damaged two berthing spaces, a machinery room and the radio room. Most of the more than 200 sailors aboard would have been asleep in their berths at the time of the pre-dawn crash.
Water was being pumped out of flooded areas and it was unclear how long it would take to get into the crushed mid-right side of the ship once it was at the pier in Yokosuka, the statement said.
Man dies and police hurt as violence escalates in Darjeeling, India
A man has died and scores of police were injured during rioting in the Indian resort of Darjeeling.
The violence has escalated in recent days and erupted in large-scale rioting on Saturday in the hill resort at the peak of the tourist season.
Almost 50 people, mostly police, were injured in riots and arson attacks which have been taking place for more than a week, forcing many visitors to leave.
The unrest intensified on Saturday and a man died as cars were torched and police were attacked by mobs with knives.
Officers responded with teargas and baton charges in an attempt to control the situation.
The director general of West Bengal state police, Anuj Sharma, said: "A man was killed and at least 35 policemen were injured yesterday. Some of them were stabbed in the back."
He said one officer who intervened in an arson attack was "seriously wounded after protesters slashed his throat".
Mr Sharma said the dead man appeared to have been shot but the circumstances were still unclear.
Police have denied using live ammunition.
Image:Protesters torched cars and buildings during widespread rioting
The escalation of the violence was triggered when police raided the homes and offices of members of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), a separatist movement that has long called for a new state of "Gorkhaland" to be carved out of West Bengal.
The group has accused police of shooting dead three of its members during the clashes but police have denied this.
GJM's general secretary Roshan Giri said: "Three of our comrades were killed and five were critically injured in police firing yesterday."
He said hundreds took to the streets of Darjeeling on Sunday for a silent protest against "police atrocities", waving India's tricolour flag and posters calling for peace.
Image:A man has died and scores of police injured
The hills are famous for the Darjeeling tea and the area is also famed for its "toy train" - a 48-mile uphill ride from New Jalpaiguri.
But the violence has dealt a major blow to the crucial tourism industry, leaving the normally busy destination deserted as shops, schools and banks closed.
As well as the campaign for a new state, tensions have risen recently over a decision to introduce the Bengali language in schools which has infuriated the Nepali-speaking Gorkhas.
The violence has escalated in recent days and erupted in large-scale rioting on Saturday in the hill resort at the peak of the tourist season.
Almost 50 people, mostly police, were injured in riots and arson attacks which have been taking place for more than a week, forcing many visitors to leave.
The unrest intensified on Saturday and a man died as cars were torched and police were attacked by mobs with knives.
Officers responded with teargas and baton charges in an attempt to control the situation.
The director general of West Bengal state police, Anuj Sharma, said: "A man was killed and at least 35 policemen were injured yesterday. Some of them were stabbed in the back."
He said one officer who intervened in an arson attack was "seriously wounded after protesters slashed his throat".
Mr Sharma said the dead man appeared to have been shot but the circumstances were still unclear.
Police have denied using live ammunition.
Image:Protesters torched cars and buildings during widespread riotingThe escalation of the violence was triggered when police raided the homes and offices of members of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), a separatist movement that has long called for a new state of "Gorkhaland" to be carved out of West Bengal.
The group has accused police of shooting dead three of its members during the clashes but police have denied this.
GJM's general secretary Roshan Giri said: "Three of our comrades were killed and five were critically injured in police firing yesterday."
He said hundreds took to the streets of Darjeeling on Sunday for a silent protest against "police atrocities", waving India's tricolour flag and posters calling for peace.
Image:A man has died and scores of police injuredThe hills are famous for the Darjeeling tea and the area is also famed for its "toy train" - a 48-mile uphill ride from New Jalpaiguri.
But the violence has dealt a major blow to the crucial tourism industry, leaving the normally busy destination deserted as shops, schools and banks closed.
As well as the campaign for a new state, tensions have risen recently over a decision to introduce the Bengali language in schools which has infuriated the Nepali-speaking Gorkhas.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Trump cancels Obama's 'one-sided deal' with Cuba
US President Donald Trump says he is rolling back the Obama administration's "completely one-sided deal with Cuba".
Speaking in Miami, Florida, Mr Trump said his new policy would put new restrictions on travel and on sending funds to the Caribbean island nation.
It was the first step in overhauling Barack Obama's March 2016 deal with Cuba which he described as "terrible" and "misguided" - and the latest move to dismantle the former president's legacy.
Mr Trump also signed a presidential directive calling for a more rigorous enforcement of a ban on American tourists going to Cuba, but US airlines and cruise lines will still be able to serve the island.
Despite some of the restrictions imposed, Mr Trump says he will not close the US embassy in Havana or roll back on key diplomatic ties. Commercial flights from the US will also continue. American visitors still allowed to bring back all the rum and cigars they can manage.
Image:Mr Trump's revised Cuba policy is aimed at halting the flow of US cash to the country
Mr Trump has faced pressure from businesses, tour operators and politicians, not to completely reverse the diplomatic thaw with America's Cold War foe established by his predecessor.
There was also resistance within Cuba. Granma, the Cuban government's state-run newspaper, said the President was "stuck in a failed policy that has caused much damage to the Cuban people and has left the United States isolated".
Mr Trump stated that he would try to prevent US dollars from being used to invest in what the administration sees as a repressive military-dominated government.
"The profits from investment and tourism flow directly to the military," he said to applause. "The regime takes the money and owns the industry."
Image:Barack Obama and Raul Castro celebrated ending five decades of hostility
Mr Trump said Mr Obama's agreement with Raul Castro's government led to an increase in violence and instability in the country, and enriched the brutal communist regime that imprisons its own people.
"They fought for everything and we just didn't fight hard enough, but now those days are over. Now we hold the cards. We now hold the cards," Mr Trump said to the delight of Cuban exiles in Miami's Little Havana community.
"Therefore effective immediately, I am cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba."
But back in Washington, a storm over Russia was brewing. Before he left the White House for his Miami trip, the President appeared to confirm for the first time that he was under investigation as part of the Russia probe.
In an early morning tweet, he said: "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch hunt."
Image:Mr Trump has made a thinly-veiled swipe at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein
It wasn't clear who he was talking about, but appeared to be a thinly-veiled swipe at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
Mr Rosenstein wrote a memo in May that the White House used to justify the firing of the ex-FBI chief. Mr Rosenstein took over the investigation into whether Russia tried to tip the US election in favour of Mr Trump after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in March.
The latest tweet from Mr Trump fuelled speculation that Mr Rosenstein may also recuse himself of his role if he could potentially be a witness in the Russia probe. That would represent the latest twist in an increasingly dramatic and unpredictable investigation. Although Mr Rosenstein appointed a special counsel, he still makes the final decisions about resources, personnel and - if necessary - any prosecutions.
Speaking in Miami, Florida, Mr Trump said his new policy would put new restrictions on travel and on sending funds to the Caribbean island nation.
It was the first step in overhauling Barack Obama's March 2016 deal with Cuba which he described as "terrible" and "misguided" - and the latest move to dismantle the former president's legacy.
Mr Trump also signed a presidential directive calling for a more rigorous enforcement of a ban on American tourists going to Cuba, but US airlines and cruise lines will still be able to serve the island.
Despite some of the restrictions imposed, Mr Trump says he will not close the US embassy in Havana or roll back on key diplomatic ties. Commercial flights from the US will also continue. American visitors still allowed to bring back all the rum and cigars they can manage.
Image:Mr Trump's revised Cuba policy is aimed at halting the flow of US cash to the countryMr Trump has faced pressure from businesses, tour operators and politicians, not to completely reverse the diplomatic thaw with America's Cold War foe established by his predecessor.
There was also resistance within Cuba. Granma, the Cuban government's state-run newspaper, said the President was "stuck in a failed policy that has caused much damage to the Cuban people and has left the United States isolated".
Mr Trump stated that he would try to prevent US dollars from being used to invest in what the administration sees as a repressive military-dominated government.
"The profits from investment and tourism flow directly to the military," he said to applause. "The regime takes the money and owns the industry."
Image:Barack Obama and Raul Castro celebrated ending five decades of hostilityMr Trump said Mr Obama's agreement with Raul Castro's government led to an increase in violence and instability in the country, and enriched the brutal communist regime that imprisons its own people.
"They fought for everything and we just didn't fight hard enough, but now those days are over. Now we hold the cards. We now hold the cards," Mr Trump said to the delight of Cuban exiles in Miami's Little Havana community.
"Therefore effective immediately, I am cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba."
But back in Washington, a storm over Russia was brewing. Before he left the White House for his Miami trip, the President appeared to confirm for the first time that he was under investigation as part of the Russia probe.
In an early morning tweet, he said: "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch hunt."
Image:Mr Trump has made a thinly-veiled swipe at Deputy Attorney General Rod RosensteinIt wasn't clear who he was talking about, but appeared to be a thinly-veiled swipe at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
Mr Rosenstein wrote a memo in May that the White House used to justify the firing of the ex-FBI chief. Mr Rosenstein took over the investigation into whether Russia tried to tip the US election in favour of Mr Trump after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in March.
The latest tweet from Mr Trump fuelled speculation that Mr Rosenstein may also recuse himself of his role if he could potentially be a witness in the Russia probe. That would represent the latest twist in an increasingly dramatic and unpredictable investigation. Although Mr Rosenstein appointed a special counsel, he still makes the final decisions about resources, personnel and - if necessary - any prosecutions.
Amazon: $13.7bn Whole Foods deal
Los Angeles, United States - One of the world's biggest online consumer goods companies is getting even bigger.
Amazon is making a bold expansion into physical stores with a $13.7bn deal to buy US grocery chain, Whole Foods.
The move sets the stage for new retail experiments that could revolutionise how people buy groceries and other goods.
Charlie O'Shea, a Moody's lead retail analyst, told the Associated Press news agency that the deal could be "transformative, not just for food retail, but for retail in general".
The deal represents a dramatic turn in strategy for Amazon, which has offered food delivery through its AmazonFresh service for a decade, but has not made a major dent in the $700bn grocery market.
Whole Foods, known for its organic and specialty food, will continue to operate stores under its brand and will continue to be led by cofounder and chief executive John Mackey, the two companies said.
The more than 460 Whole Foods stores in the United States, Canada and the UK could also be turned into distribution hubs - not just for delivering groceries, but also as pick-up centres for online orders.
The deal is the latest big move for Amazon, which grew from a small online bookseller in the 1990s to a global retail giant that delivers a wide range of goods and creates award-winning movies and television programmes.
Amazon is making a bold expansion into physical stores with a $13.7bn deal to buy US grocery chain, Whole Foods.
The move sets the stage for new retail experiments that could revolutionise how people buy groceries and other goods.
Charlie O'Shea, a Moody's lead retail analyst, told the Associated Press news agency that the deal could be "transformative, not just for food retail, but for retail in general".
The deal represents a dramatic turn in strategy for Amazon, which has offered food delivery through its AmazonFresh service for a decade, but has not made a major dent in the $700bn grocery market.
Whole Foods, known for its organic and specialty food, will continue to operate stores under its brand and will continue to be led by cofounder and chief executive John Mackey, the two companies said.
The more than 460 Whole Foods stores in the United States, Canada and the UK could also be turned into distribution hubs - not just for delivering groceries, but also as pick-up centres for online orders.
The deal is the latest big move for Amazon, which grew from a small online bookseller in the 1990s to a global retail giant that delivers a wide range of goods and creates award-winning movies and television programmes.
Firefighter who battled Grenfell Tower blaze 'feared building would collapse like World Trade Centre'
A firefighter who climbed to the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower as it was ravaged by fire feared the block would collapse like the World Trade Centre.
Leon Whitley, a 34-year-old father of one said he would never forget the screams of victims trapped in their flats as the blaze engulfed the 24-storey building in west London.
Thirty people are known to have perished in the disaster but the death toll is expected to rise. Dozens more were injured and at least 70 people remain unaccounted for.
Mr Whitley was among hundreds of fire crews who risked their lives running towards danger as the tower in North Kensington burned.
Brother of Grenfell Tower victim says fire safety concerns were ignore
"It was reminiscent of the Twin Towers," he told The Sun. Those things go through your mind while you're in there.
"We all know how that building collapsed. I thought, 'We might not make it out this one'. I usually walk into fires very cautious but not scared. That was the first time I was scared."
He described the experience as "hellish" and added he still hears the screams from people trapped as flames tore through the building.
"It was crazy," he told the newspaper. "The screams were coming from all directions. I don't think I will ever forget them. The screams were horrifying because you knew everyone needed help but you couldn't see them."
Leon Whitley, a 34-year-old father of one said he would never forget the screams of victims trapped in their flats as the blaze engulfed the 24-storey building in west London.
Thirty people are known to have perished in the disaster but the death toll is expected to rise. Dozens more were injured and at least 70 people remain unaccounted for.
Mr Whitley was among hundreds of fire crews who risked their lives running towards danger as the tower in North Kensington burned.
Brother of Grenfell Tower victim says fire safety concerns were ignore
"It was reminiscent of the Twin Towers," he told The Sun. Those things go through your mind while you're in there.
"We all know how that building collapsed. I thought, 'We might not make it out this one'. I usually walk into fires very cautious but not scared. That was the first time I was scared."
He described the experience as "hellish" and added he still hears the screams from people trapped as flames tore through the building.
"It was crazy," he told the newspaper. "The screams were coming from all directions. I don't think I will ever forget them. The screams were horrifying because you knew everyone needed help but you couldn't see them."
Theresa May meeting Grenfell fire victims and volunteers in Downing Street
Theresa May is meeting victims, community leaders and volunteers from the Grenfell fire disaster in Downing Street.
It is her second meeting with those affected by Wednesday morning's inferno, which was branded "unprecedented" by London's Fire Brigade Commissioner.
The Prime Minister has been criticised for not going to talk to victims until Friday, as some in a crowd shouted "coward" and "shame on you" following a visit with survivors at a church.
Mrs May has announced a £5m fund as part of a "comprehensive package" of support for victims.
The No 10 meeting comes after Mrs May finished chairing an emergency session of the Grenfell Recovery Task Force.
The cross-Government group are coordinating the immediate and long-term response to the west London blaze that has so far claimed 30 people's lives. The number of dead is expected to rise significantly as authorities confirm and identify the deceased.
As part of the £5m fund, the support measures include:
:: Residents of Grenfell Tower will be rehoused at the earliest possible opportunity, within three weeks at the latest.
:: People will be rehoused as close as possible to their previous address, either in Kensington and Chelsea borough or a neighbouring borough, in order for them to access their same schools and GPs.
:: The cost of temporary accommodation will be covered until they are rehoused, with the Government also providing cash for any extra expense incurred by children travelling to their local school.
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM had "sent her best wishes" to the Queen, who is celebrating her 91st official birthday.
Mrs May was not seen at the traditional Trooping the Colour celebrations held outside Buckingham Palace, as the Queen marked her birthday with a sombre but defiant message.
Image:The Queen and Prince Philip at the Monarch's birthday celebrations
The Monarch praised Britons for staying "resolute in the face of adversity" after three terror attacks and the Kensington fire.
Mrs May had made two trips to Grenfell Tower, once to meet the emergency services and a second time to meet victims, including in hospital and at a church.
It is her second meeting with those affected by Wednesday morning's inferno, which was branded "unprecedented" by London's Fire Brigade Commissioner.
The Prime Minister has been criticised for not going to talk to victims until Friday, as some in a crowd shouted "coward" and "shame on you" following a visit with survivors at a church.
Mrs May has announced a £5m fund as part of a "comprehensive package" of support for victims.
The No 10 meeting comes after Mrs May finished chairing an emergency session of the Grenfell Recovery Task Force.
The cross-Government group are coordinating the immediate and long-term response to the west London blaze that has so far claimed 30 people's lives. The number of dead is expected to rise significantly as authorities confirm and identify the deceased.
As part of the £5m fund, the support measures include:
:: Residents of Grenfell Tower will be rehoused at the earliest possible opportunity, within three weeks at the latest.
:: People will be rehoused as close as possible to their previous address, either in Kensington and Chelsea borough or a neighbouring borough, in order for them to access their same schools and GPs.
:: The cost of temporary accommodation will be covered until they are rehoused, with the Government also providing cash for any extra expense incurred by children travelling to their local school.
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM had "sent her best wishes" to the Queen, who is celebrating her 91st official birthday.
Mrs May was not seen at the traditional Trooping the Colour celebrations held outside Buckingham Palace, as the Queen marked her birthday with a sombre but defiant message.
Image:The Queen and Prince Philip at the Monarch's birthday celebrationsThe Monarch praised Britons for staying "resolute in the face of adversity" after three terror attacks and the Kensington fire.
Mrs May had made two trips to Grenfell Tower, once to meet the emergency services and a second time to meet victims, including in hospital and at a church.
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