Donald Trump has again accused former President Barack Obama and Joe Biden of spying on his administration, which has never been proven. The president claimed if he were to pull a similar stunt then he would face "50 years for treason".
This comes as Mr Trump's interview with Fox News Sunday is set to air. Host Chris Wallace challenged the president on his coronavirus response by playing clips of him saying the virus would soon disappear. To defend himself, Mr Trump said he would "be right eventually" about the virus going away. The US reached 140,000 Covid-19 deaths this weekend.
The interview also addressed Mr Trump's commitment to defending the Confederate flag. He told the Fox News host the flag was not a symbol of racism but instead a way for people to honour the South.
At a different part of the interview, the president decided to again compare his mental fitness to his presidential competitor. He claimed Mr Biden can't "string two sentences" together and would not be able to perform as well on a cognitive test. Mr Wallace brought up the cognitive assessment that the president took, saying the questions weren't very hard.
"It's all a misrepresentation," Mr Trump said. "Because, yes, the first few questions are easy, but I'll bet you couldn't even answer the last five questions."
Protests have heightened in Portland after the Trump administration deployed federal agents to the area in an attempt to calm the violence that has erupted. State and local officials have criticised the president, though, by saying the deployment of these "troops" was "a direct threat to democracy".
In a tweet, Mr Trump defended the situation by saying his administration was working to help Portland, not hurt it. "We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal,” he wrote.
Talks between the Trump administration and Capitol Hill Republicans are expected to increase this week regarding the next coronavirus stimulus package. Mr Trump's Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the president would be meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy this week.
Good morning, we'll be using this blog to follow the latest developments on the Trump administration.
Black Lives Matter mural outside Trump Tower defaced three times in five days
A "Black Lives Matter" mural painted on the street in front of Donald Trump's namesake New York City tower has quickly become a target for vandalism, defaced with bucketfuls of paint three times in less than a week.
In the latest incident, two women were arrested at around 3 pm Saturday after police said they poured black paint on the block-long mural outside Trump Tower on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.
Footage showed police officers surrounding one of the women as she rubbed the paint on the mural's bright yellow letters and screamed: "they don't care about Black lives" and "refund the police".
One of the officers slipped on the paint and tumbled to the ground, sustaining injuries to his head and arm, police said. He was listed in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital.
A police spokesperson said the women's names and information on possible charges against them weren't immediately available, but the city's largest police union, the Police Benevolent Association, tweeted: "Thankfully our brother will be OK, but this nonsense needs to stop. Our city is in crisis. Paint on the street helps no one."
Saturday's vandalism happened less than 24 hours after three people were caught on surveillance video smearing blue paint on the mural on Friday while a woman littered it with flyers that referenced the recent shooting death of a one-year-old boy in Brooklyn, police said.
Officers found the trio nearby a short time later with blue paint on their hands and clothing, police said. According to the video of the incident, one of them was wearing an "All Lives Matter" shirt as well as other apparel indicating support for Mr Trump. They were arrested, charged with criminal mischief and released with a order to appear in court at a later date.
AP
A "Black Lives Matter" mural painted on the street in front of Donald Trump's namesake New York City tower has quickly become a target for vandalism, defaced with bucketfuls of paint three times in less than a week.
In the latest incident, two women were arrested at around 3 pm Saturday after police said they poured black paint on the block-long mural outside Trump Tower on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.
Footage showed police officers surrounding one of the women as she rubbed the paint on the mural's bright yellow letters and screamed: "they don't care about Black lives" and "refund the police".
One of the officers slipped on the paint and tumbled to the ground, sustaining injuries to his head and arm, police said. He was listed in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital.
A police spokesperson said the women's names and information on possible charges against them weren't immediately available, but the city's largest police union, the Police Benevolent Association, tweeted: "Thankfully our brother will be OK, but this nonsense needs to stop. Our city is in crisis. Paint on the street helps no one."
Saturday's vandalism happened less than 24 hours after three people were caught on surveillance video smearing blue paint on the mural on Friday while a woman littered it with flyers that referenced the recent shooting death of a one-year-old boy in Brooklyn, police said.
Officers found the trio nearby a short time later with blue paint on their hands and clothing, police said. According to the video of the incident, one of them was wearing an "All Lives Matter" shirt as well as other apparel indicating support for Mr Trump. They were arrested, charged with criminal mischief and released with a order to appear in court at a later date.
AP
Joe Biden warns of potential Russian interference in the upcoming election after receiving intelligence briefings
Mr Biden issued the warning at a fundraiser on Friday evening, when he revealed that he had begun receiving briefings again due to his status as the nominee, Danielle Zoellner reports.
"We know from before and I guarantee you I know now because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged in trying to delegitimise our electoral process. Fact," the former vice president said.
"China and others are engaged as well in activities that are designed for us to lose confidence in the outcome," he added.
Mr Biden did not reveal when he first started to receive intelligence briefings, but it is typical for major political party candidates to receive them prior to presidential elections. In 2016, then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump started to receive intelligence briefings starting in August.
No other details were added during Mr Biden's fundraiser speech about how the 2020 presidential election could be compromised by outside influences.
Mr Biden issued the warning at a fundraiser on Friday evening, when he revealed that he had begun receiving briefings again due to his status as the nominee, Danielle Zoellner reports.
"We know from before and I guarantee you I know now because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged in trying to delegitimise our electoral process. Fact," the former vice president said.
"China and others are engaged as well in activities that are designed for us to lose confidence in the outcome," he added.
Mr Biden did not reveal when he first started to receive intelligence briefings, but it is typical for major political party candidates to receive them prior to presidential elections. In 2016, then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump started to receive intelligence briefings starting in August.
No other details were added during Mr Biden's fundraiser speech about how the 2020 presidential election could be compromised by outside influences.
Republican senator criticised for suggesting Hispanic people less likely to follow coronavirus guidance
Thom Tillis, the junior senator for North Carolina, said during a virtual town hall on Tuesday that he had concerns about “less consistent adherence” with public health guidelines among the Hispanic population, Conrad Duncan reports.
“Just wear the mask out of respect,” Mr Tillis said, in an audio clip posted online by Democratic super PAC American Bridge.
“Now I will tell you I'm not a scientist and I'm not a statistician, but one of the concerns that we've had more recently is that the Hispanic population now constitutes about 44 per cent of the positive cases, and we do have some concerns that in the Hispanic population we've seen less consistent adherence to social distancing and wearing a mask.”
However, a Pew Research Centre study published in June showed 74 per cent of Hispanic adults polled said they wore masks in stores all or most of the time, compared to 62 per cent of white adults polled.
Thom Tillis, the junior senator for North Carolina, said during a virtual town hall on Tuesday that he had concerns about “less consistent adherence” with public health guidelines among the Hispanic population, Conrad Duncan reports.
“Just wear the mask out of respect,” Mr Tillis said, in an audio clip posted online by Democratic super PAC American Bridge.
“Now I will tell you I'm not a scientist and I'm not a statistician, but one of the concerns that we've had more recently is that the Hispanic population now constitutes about 44 per cent of the positive cases, and we do have some concerns that in the Hispanic population we've seen less consistent adherence to social distancing and wearing a mask.”
However, a Pew Research Centre study published in June showed 74 per cent of Hispanic adults polled said they wore masks in stores all or most of the time, compared to 62 per cent of white adults polled.
‘The tactics of a dictator’: Portland leaders demand removal of masked federal agents sent by Trump admin following spate of arbitrary arrests
Elected officials in Portland have called on the Trump administration to remove militarised federal agents from the city following reports of protesters being arbitrarily detained, likening their actions to the “tactics of a government led by a dictator”, Richard Hall reports.
Federal law enforcement officers driving unmarked vehicles and wearing camouflage have been seizing people from the street in recent days in Portland, Oregon, which has seen nightly protests for racial justice since the police killing of George Floyd.
Agents from the US Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service have deployed in the city ostensibly to protect federal property. But video and witness testimony show they have far exceeded that mandate and have detained people without cause far from the buildings they are supposed to be protecting.
“The message crafted by the Trump administration to justify this escalation of force and intimidation in Portland borders on propaganda, apparently to serve the president’s perceived political interests. This is unacceptable under our Constitution,” said a letter signed by Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, together with House Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici.
Elected officials in Portland have called on the Trump administration to remove militarised federal agents from the city following reports of protesters being arbitrarily detained, likening their actions to the “tactics of a government led by a dictator”, Richard Hall reports.
Federal law enforcement officers driving unmarked vehicles and wearing camouflage have been seizing people from the street in recent days in Portland, Oregon, which has seen nightly protests for racial justice since the police killing of George Floyd.
Agents from the US Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service have deployed in the city ostensibly to protect federal property. But video and witness testimony show they have far exceeded that mandate and have detained people without cause far from the buildings they are supposed to be protecting.
“The message crafted by the Trump administration to justify this escalation of force and intimidation in Portland borders on propaganda, apparently to serve the president’s perceived political interests. This is unacceptable under our Constitution,” said a letter signed by Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, together with House Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici.
US public trust Biden more than Trump on pandemic, poll suggests
A new poll commissioned by ABC News and The Washington Post indicates that Americans' trust in Mr Biden to handle the coronavirus pandemic now far outstrips their faith in the president.
While the pair's ratings on the subject started out relatively even, Barack Obama's former vice president now holds a commanding 20-point lead, with 54 per cent of respondents trusting him on the issue, compared to just 34 per cent who trust the president.
Mr Trump still leads on the economy, the Langer Research Associates poll found, although the gap has closed to just two points. Despite the president's attempts to paint himself as tough on crime, he trails behind the Democrat opponent on that issue also.
On race relations, Mr Biden leads by his largest margin of 25 points, with 58 per cent approval.
A new poll commissioned by ABC News and The Washington Post indicates that Americans' trust in Mr Biden to handle the coronavirus pandemic now far outstrips their faith in the president.
While the pair's ratings on the subject started out relatively even, Barack Obama's former vice president now holds a commanding 20-point lead, with 54 per cent of respondents trusting him on the issue, compared to just 34 per cent who trust the president.
Mr Trump still leads on the economy, the Langer Research Associates poll found, although the gap has closed to just two points. Despite the president's attempts to paint himself as tough on crime, he trails behind the Democrat opponent on that issue also.
On race relations, Mr Biden leads by his largest margin of 25 points, with 58 per cent approval.
After hours of silence on the death of congressman John Lewis as tributes poured in yesterday, the president tweeted:
Lewis, 80, often recalled his upbringing in the segregated South, including how he was denied a library card because the library was for "whites only." He was determined to destroy segregation, joining with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to help plan the 1963 March on Washington.
Two years later, Lewis helped lead the "Bloody Sunday" voting rights march intended to go from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. White police, state troopers and thugs blocked their way on the bridge out of Selma, attacking the peaceful marchers with clubs, bullwhips and tear gas. Lewis suffered a cracked skull.
He went on to make a career in politics, representing Atlanta in Congress for more than 30 years, and all the while imploring people to press for justice — to make what he came to call "good trouble, necessary trouble."
In a statement, Barack Obama recalled being sworn in for his first term, writing: "I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made."
Two years later, Lewis helped lead the "Bloody Sunday" voting rights march intended to go from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. White police, state troopers and thugs blocked their way on the bridge out of Selma, attacking the peaceful marchers with clubs, bullwhips and tear gas. Lewis suffered a cracked skull.
He went on to make a career in politics, representing Atlanta in Congress for more than 30 years, and all the while imploring people to press for justice — to make what he came to call "good trouble, necessary trouble."
In a statement, Barack Obama recalled being sworn in for his first term, writing: "I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made."
NYPD union chief appears on Fox News with far-right conspiracy theory QAnon symbol in background
Ed Mullins, president of the NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association, appeared on Fox News to discuss the increased gun violence in New York City and other parts of the US, Danielle Zoellner reports.
Viewers noticed a mug in the background of Mr Mullins interview with a logo on the front representing QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory whose adherents believe in the existence of a “deep state” within the US government that is controlled by a Satanic cabal of child-abusing elites.
Believers of the QAnon conspiracy theory claim that these elites are largely made up of liberal politicians and celebrities whose goal is to oust Donald Trump.
The mug situated directly behind Mr Mullins in the camera shot has the word “QANON” across the front with the hashtag #WWG1WGA, which stands for “where we go one, we go all”. The phrase is a popular slogan within the QAnon group.
Ed Mullins, president of the NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association, appeared on Fox News to discuss the increased gun violence in New York City and other parts of the US, Danielle Zoellner reports.
Viewers noticed a mug in the background of Mr Mullins interview with a logo on the front representing QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory whose adherents believe in the existence of a “deep state” within the US government that is controlled by a Satanic cabal of child-abusing elites.
Believers of the QAnon conspiracy theory claim that these elites are largely made up of liberal politicians and celebrities whose goal is to oust Donald Trump.
The mug situated directly behind Mr Mullins in the camera shot has the word “QANON” across the front with the hashtag #WWG1WGA, which stands for “where we go one, we go all”. The phrase is a popular slogan within the QAnon group.
Anthony Fauci: The one man Trump can’t afford to fire
In his official photograph as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony S Fauci MD looks like something out of a typical hospital soap opera, writes our associate editor Sean O'Grady for Independent Premium.
As if from central casting, he wears spectacles, a warm smile and the obligatory white lab coat and brushed aluminium-look name badge. He looks as though you’ve just woken up on a ward and he’s there to tell you the operation was a success, but you’ll have to take things easy for a few days, and now get a little sleep. America must long for day when he can declare something similar about Covid-19.
In his official photograph as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony S Fauci MD looks like something out of a typical hospital soap opera, writes our associate editor Sean O'Grady for Independent Premium.
As if from central casting, he wears spectacles, a warm smile and the obligatory white lab coat and brushed aluminium-look name badge. He looks as though you’ve just woken up on a ward and he’s there to tell you the operation was a success, but you’ll have to take things easy for a few days, and now get a little sleep. America must long for day when he can declare something similar about Covid-19.
Trump nominates South Carolina's former lieutenant governor to be next Belize ambassador
The White House has announced that Andre Bauer's nomination still needs to be confirmed by the US Senate before it's official.
The ambassador's post has been vacant since the term of the previous ambassador, Carlos Moreno, concluded with the end of Barack Obama's administration. Belize, where the official language is English, is highly popular with American tourists for its beaches and Mayan history.
Mr Bauer, 51, served as former governor Mark Sanford's second-in-command from 2003 to 2011. He also ran unsuccessful bids for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010 and for the state's 7th Congressional District in 2012.
He gained notice as lieutenant governor after calling for Sanford to resign in the wake of the governor's disappearance and extramarital affair. In 2010, in the midst of his gubernatorial campaign, Bauer also made national news after comparing those on government assistance to "stray animals."
The White House has announced that Andre Bauer's nomination still needs to be confirmed by the US Senate before it's official.
The ambassador's post has been vacant since the term of the previous ambassador, Carlos Moreno, concluded with the end of Barack Obama's administration. Belize, where the official language is English, is highly popular with American tourists for its beaches and Mayan history.
Mr Bauer, 51, served as former governor Mark Sanford's second-in-command from 2003 to 2011. He also ran unsuccessful bids for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010 and for the state's 7th Congressional District in 2012.
He gained notice as lieutenant governor after calling for Sanford to resign in the wake of the governor's disappearance and extramarital affair. In 2010, in the midst of his gubernatorial campaign, Bauer also made national news after comparing those on government assistance to "stray animals."
Trump renews attack on Democrats’ ‘radical environment policies’ over net-zero goal
The president has retweeted himself speaking about Democrats' proposals to avert climate change. The party has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 - which is widely regarded as the minimum target required to avert serious climate breakdown, with some corners of industry and manufacturing expected to stop using fossil fuels within the next 10 or 15 years.
The president has retweeted himself speaking about Democrats' proposals to avert climate change. The party has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 - which is widely regarded as the minimum target required to avert serious climate breakdown, with some corners of industry and manufacturing expected to stop using fossil fuels within the next 10 or 15 years.
Twitter disables Trump retweet over Linkin Park copyright claim
Twitter has chosen to remove a campaign-style video shared by Donald Trump after Linkin Park lodged a copyright complaint over its use of their song.
The band confirmed they had ordered a cease and desist notice over the video, which used a cover version of their song “In the End” to promote a populist narrative placing the president against the Washington elite, interspersed with footage of Joe Biden and military jets.
It contained a segment of Mr Trump’s inaugural address, in which he stated: “What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.
“For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost… The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. That all changes - starting right here, and right now.”
The social media site left a notice on the post, published by White House social media director Dan Scavino, saying: “This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.”
Twitter has chosen to remove a campaign-style video shared by Donald Trump after Linkin Park lodged a copyright complaint over its use of their song.
The band confirmed they had ordered a cease and desist notice over the video, which used a cover version of their song “In the End” to promote a populist narrative placing the president against the Washington elite, interspersed with footage of Joe Biden and military jets.
It contained a segment of Mr Trump’s inaugural address, in which he stated: “What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.
“For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost… The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. That all changes - starting right here, and right now.”
The social media site left a notice on the post, published by White House social media director Dan Scavino, saying: “This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.”
And the president is awake.
Kanye West to hold first presidential rally in South Carolina on Sunday
The rapper tweeted on Saturday asking his 29.8 million followers to sign a petition calling for him to be added to the election ballot in the southeastern state, Emily Goddard reports.
West’s event will be held at the Exquis Event Centre in North Charleston for registered guests only, according to a campaign document seen by Politico. Attendees must wear masks, observe social distancing and sign a Covid-19 liability release form.
West, at one-time a Trump supporter, announced he was running for the US presidency on Independence Day, tweeting: “We must now realise the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION.”
However, the sincerity of the rapper’s bid for the White House has since been called into question. Reports emerged on 14 July that West, 43, had already dropped out of the race. Steve Kramer, a member of his campaign team, told Intelligencer: “He’s out.” The advisor added he was in the process of getting “all our stuff cancelled”.
The rapper tweeted on Saturday asking his 29.8 million followers to sign a petition calling for him to be added to the election ballot in the southeastern state, Emily Goddard reports.
West’s event will be held at the Exquis Event Centre in North Charleston for registered guests only, according to a campaign document seen by Politico. Attendees must wear masks, observe social distancing and sign a Covid-19 liability release form.
West, at one-time a Trump supporter, announced he was running for the US presidency on Independence Day, tweeting: “We must now realise the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION.”
However, the sincerity of the rapper’s bid for the White House has since been called into question. Reports emerged on 14 July that West, 43, had already dropped out of the race. Steve Kramer, a member of his campaign team, told Intelligencer: “He’s out.” The advisor added he was in the process of getting “all our stuff cancelled”.
John Lewis death: Republican senators post photos of Elijah Cummings in tributes to civil rights icon
Two US senators have mistakenly posted images of Elijah Cummings in their social media tributes to the late John Lewis, Zoe Tidman reports.
Both posts were quickly changed to include a picture of Mr Lewis, a Democratic congressman and civil rights icon who died aged 80 earlier this week.
“Earlier today I tweeted an incorrect photo,” Marco Rubio, a Republican senator for Florida, later posted. “John Lewis was a genuine American hero. I was honoured to appear together in Miami three years ago at an event captured in video below.”
Dan Sullivan, another Republican senator, initially made a Facebook tribute to Mr Lewis - who was one of the Big Six civil rights activists led by the Martin Luther King Jr - featuring a photo of himself with the late Mr Cummings at the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Two US senators have mistakenly posted images of Elijah Cummings in their social media tributes to the late John Lewis, Zoe Tidman reports.
Both posts were quickly changed to include a picture of Mr Lewis, a Democratic congressman and civil rights icon who died aged 80 earlier this week.
“Earlier today I tweeted an incorrect photo,” Marco Rubio, a Republican senator for Florida, later posted. “John Lewis was a genuine American hero. I was honoured to appear together in Miami three years ago at an event captured in video below.”
Dan Sullivan, another Republican senator, initially made a Facebook tribute to Mr Lewis - who was one of the Big Six civil rights activists led by the Martin Luther King Jr - featuring a photo of himself with the late Mr Cummings at the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Trump deletes tweet about Portland protests saying Oregon officials are 'running scared'
In the early morning of Sunday, the president reportedly tweeted and then quickly deleted a tweet about the Portland protests.
He claimed Oregon officials were "running scared" from the problem.
The city has experienced unrest since the death of George Floyd, with protests happening every night. But these protests have heightened in recent days.
In response, the Trump administration sent its own federal agents to control the situation, but reports have indicated the agents might actually adding to the violence in the city instead of mitigating the situation.
The Portland mayor publicly called for Mr Trump to remove his "troops" from the city.
US coronavirus death toll tops 140,000
The United States reached the grim milestone Saturday into Sunday of 140,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic started earlier this year.
In recent weeks, the country has faced a surge of coronavirus cases after states started to reopen.
President Donald Trump has used an increase in coronavirus testing as the reason why there are more cases, but that hasn't explained an increase in hospitalisations in states like Texas and Florida.
The US has recorded more than 3.7 million coronavirus cases, far surpassing any other country in the world.
The United States reached the grim milestone Saturday into Sunday of 140,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic started earlier this year.
In recent weeks, the country has faced a surge of coronavirus cases after states started to reopen.
President Donald Trump has used an increase in coronavirus testing as the reason why there are more cases, but that hasn't explained an increase in hospitalisations in states like Texas and Florida.
The US has recorded more than 3.7 million coronavirus cases, far surpassing any other country in the world.
Trump claims he is trying to 'help' Portland after claims he unleashed 'stormtroopers' to crack down on protesters
Donald Trump has tweeted about his administration's intentions of bringing federal officers into Portland to disperse protesters.
He claimed the government was working to "help" the city, but reports have indicated the officers are increasing the violence and impeding on people's First Amendment rights to protest.
Richard Hall has the report:
Donald Trump has tweeted about his administration's intentions of bringing federal officers into Portland to disperse protesters.
He claimed the government was working to "help" the city, but reports have indicated the officers are increasing the violence and impeding on people's First Amendment rights to protest.
Richard Hall has the report:
Trump claims he is trying to ‘help’ Portland after claims he unleashed ‘stormtroopers’ to crack down on protesters
Donald Trump said he is trying to “help” the city of Portland amid controversy over a decision to send federal agents to crack down on protests there. Local lawmakers accused the Trump administration of an “abuse of power” for deploying masked, militarised federal agents to the city, ostensibly to protect federal buildings.White House raises flags after lowering them to half-staff yesterday for Congressman John Lewis
The flags on the White House have been raised back on Sunday after the president ordered for them to be ordered around 11am on Saturday to honour the life of Congressman John Lewis.
After Donald Trump made the proclamation to lower the flags, he tweeted that he and Melania were "saddened" by the news of Mr Lewis' death.
Here's his statement:
'I'll be right eventually': Trump again insists coronavirus will disappear, citing no evidence
Donald Trump continues to insist the coronavirus will disappear one day, despite the recent surge in cases in several states like California, Texas, Arizona and Florida, and has said his predictions will be vindicated when all is said and done.
"I'll be right eventually," the president said in an interview that airs on Sunday with Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday after the host played a series of clips that showed Mr Trump making pronouncements about the virus that have turned out not to be true.
More on the breaking news here:
