Trump news: President rails at Joe Biden as 2020 announcement looms, after New Zealand terror complaint and angry attack on John McCain

The president is ramping up his attacks on Twitter

Donald Trump denies white nationalism is a 'rising threat' after Christchurch mosque attack

Donald Trump has targeted Joe Biden after the former vice president made a verbal slip about a potential 2020 presidential bid.

Mr Trump, who has eagerly followed the 2020 Democratic field, tweeted Monday: “Joe Biden got tongue tied over the weekend when he was unable to properly deliver a very simple line about his decision to run for President.”

He added, “Get used to it, another low I.Q. individual!”

At a dinner over the weekend, Mr Biden said he had “the most progressive record of anybody running.” But Mr Biden hasn’t announced whether he will launch a third run for the White House.

He quickly corrected himself, but the comment prompted frenzied speculation.

The president has previously labelled California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and actor Robert De Niro as being “low I.Q.”

Meanwhile, Mr Trump faced controversy on Monday after denying white nationalism was an increasing threat just days after a suspected gunman launched a terror attack against two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The House Judiciary Committee has revealed its intention to conduct hearings into the rise of white nationalism under Mr Trump, in which it will probe the administration’s response to FBI findings that the issue has become an increasing threat.

Monday also marked the deadline for the White House to respond to the committee’s request for documents — a move the Trump administration has seemingly avoided.

It remains unclear whether Democrats will now issue a subpoena against Mr Trump or the White House.

Additional reporting by AP. Check out The Independent’s live coverage below.

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Key Points

• Trump urges Fox to withdraw Jeanine Pirro suspension over Islamophobia
• President attacks the late John McCain over Steele Dossier
• Attacks media after being named in terrorist manifesto
• Beto O'Rourke 2020 campaign raises $6.1m in donations on first day

[18 March 2019 20:10 · Chris Riotta]

It appears that Donald Trump will miss a deadline put forth by House Democrats to respond to a request from the House Judiciary Committee as part of its wide net of document requests to at least 81 contacts surrounding the president. 

That means Congress could be one step closer towards issuing subpoenas against the White House. 

[18 March 2019 20:25 · Chris Riotta]

This concludes today's live coverage of Donald Trump's attacks on his 2020 opponents, the media and other issues surrounding his presidency. Check out The Independent's live coverage from Monday below.