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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FACES BACKLASH OVER USAID SHUTDOWN

The Trump administration’s move to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has sparked a strong rebuke from Democrats, who have vowed to take the matter to court. The agency, which provides crucial aid overseas to fund education and fight starvation and disease, was instructed to close its Washington headquarters on Monday, with staffers barred from entering the building. The sudden move came after billionaire Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump had agreed to shut down the agency. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been instrumental in the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline government operations. However, Democrats have slammed the move as illegal and vowed to fight it in court. The shutdown of USAID has already resulted in thousands of employees being laid off and programs being shut down. The agency’s closure has also raised concerns about the impact on global aid efforts. The move has been seen as a testament to Musk’s extraordinary power in the Trump administration. As the controversy continues to unfold, lawmakers have been blocked from entering the USAID headquarters, with officers stationed at the lobby. The agency’s closure has sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing the Trump administration’s handling of the situation.

TRUMP ORDERS AIRSTRIKES IN SOMALIA, TARGETING SENIOR ISIS PLANNER

US President Donald Trump has announced that he ordered precision airstrikes in Somalia, targeting a senior ISIS attack planner and other terrorists. In a post on his social media platform, Trump stated, “This morning I ordered precision military air strikes on the Senior ISIS Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia.” Trump claimed that the strikes, which destroyed caves used by the terrorists, killed many ISIS operatives without harming civilians. He emphasized, “The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the airstrikes were directed by Trump and coordinated with Somalia’s government. An initial Pentagon assessment indicated that multiple operatives were killed, with no civilian casualties reported. Trump also took a swipe at his predecessor, Joe Biden, stating that his administration had been tracking the attack planner for years but failed to take action. In contrast, Trump asserted, “I did!” This development comes after a similar operation in 2023, authorized by Biden, resulted in the killing of a senior ISIS leader and 10 other militants in northern Somalia.

NIGERIAN IMMIGRANTS IN US LIVE IN FEAR OF DEPORTATION UNDER TRUMP’S POLICIES

Many Nigerian immigrants in the United States are living in fear of deportation under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Despite lawsuits filed against Trump’s policies, the immigrants are restricting their movements to public places to avoid being arrested and deported. According to reports, about 3,690 Nigerians in the US are facing deportation. The immigrants, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism that the lawsuits would slow down the deportation process. However, they are taking precautions to avoid being arrested. One of the immigrants, who resides in Tampa, Florida, said he had stopped going to work and church to avoid being arrested. “I don’t go to church anymore because it is possible to be arrested there. For now, the only safe place is your house—stay indoors,” he said. Another immigrant in Columbus, Ohio, said he stopped going to work for the first week after Trump’s inauguration due to fear of being deported. “The best self-defence is to stay out of trouble, and the best way to avoid being deported is to stay out of sight of ICE officers,” he said. A Nigerian journalist in the US said many Africans in the country were anxious about Trump’s immigration policies. “If they ask all of us to go back to our countries, we will have no choice but to leave. It is their country. If Nigeria were a better place, nobody would have left in the first place, and many of us would be ready to go back home,” he stated. The Federal Government has confirmed that 201 Nigerians are currently in the custody of the US authorities and are ready for deportation. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the date and time of their deportation had not been communicated to the Federal Government. Meanwhile, Trump’s immigration policies have discouraged many Nigerians from traveling to the US. Many people who were considering the US as a destination for higher education have reconsidered, leading to a reduction in the number of people applying for US visas. Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, said Trump’s executive orders had negatively impacted travel activities to the US. “Prospective international students from Nigeria are exploring alternative destinations due to uncertainty and fear about studying in the US,” he said. Wale Dada, a student seeking admission to the US, expressed sadness over the matter. “With what I have heard about the orders, I do not think I will proceed with the preparations. I cannot afford to leave the country only to get there and be rejected or treated like a criminal,” he said.

GAZA CAN NEVER BE DEFEATED AND HER PEOPLE CAN NEVER BE MOVED TO EGYPT AND JORDAN!

By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode A friend sent the following to me last night. He wrote, “No to the evacuation of Palestinians. They will never be allowed to return once they vacate Gaza. That’s what happened to their grandparents, expelled forcibly from Jaffa, Tel Aviv and over 700 other Palestinian towns, villages and settlements. Any Palestinian leader who even thinks in this manner of collaboration with the United States, the greatest facilitator of Israeli atrocities, would need to have his head examined. Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniye and other martyrs didn’t give their lives for the Palestinians to be evacuated to Egypt or Jordan”. My friend got it right. The suggestion that the people of Gaza should be relocated to Jordan and Egypt in order to “clean the place up” is asinine, absurd and unacceptable and thankfully both the Egyptians and the Jordanians have formally rejected it. The Lord did not save Trump’s life and make him President of the most powerful nation on earth for him to indulge in ethnic cleansing and take the lives of others. As Believers in God we are called to help and support the persecuted, the poor, the weak, the vulnerable and the brokenhearted. We are not called to kill and displace them or to join hands with their violent and savage oppressors. Biden and Harris have suffered humiliation and the judgement of God due to the shedding of the blood of the women and children of Gaza. President Donald Trump, a man who I have tremendous respect and affection for and who I believe was called by God, should not make the same mistake lest he suffers an even worse fate. He was lifted by God to bring peace, liberty, light and justice to the world and not to bring war, destruction, bloodshed, misery, injustice and darkness. He was lifted to save lives and not to destroy them. He was lifted to crush the genocidal maniacs and barbarians that call themselves Zionists and not to assist them. He was lifted to deliver and liberate nations and not to conquer and divide them. He was lifted to save the women and children of Gaza and not to eat their flesh and drink their blood. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) is a former Minister of Aviation, Activist and writer

COLOMBIA BACKTRACKS ON DEPORTATION FLIGHTS AFTER TRUMP THREATENS TARIFFS AND SANCTIONS

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has reversed his decision to reject deportation flights from the United States after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on the country. The White House confirmed that Petro had agreed to accept the deportation flights, including those on US military aircraft, without limitation or delay. The agreement came after Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all goods coming into the US from Colombia, which would have risen to 50% after one week. Trump also ordered a travel ban and visa revocations for all Colombian government officials, plus “allies and supporters.” Petro had initially rejected the deportation flights, saying that the US could not “treat Colombian migrants as criminals.” However, after Trump’s threats, Petro offered his presidential plane to repatriate migrants coming back from the US. The Colombian government said in a statement that the plane would help facilitate a “dignified return” for the migrants. “The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of the compatriots who were going to arrive in the country today in the morning, coming from deportation flights,” the statement read. Trump hailed the agreement as a victory, saying that “America is respected again.” “President Trump will continue to fiercely protect our nation’s sovereignty, and he expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States,” the White House said in a statement. The dispute between the US and Colombia had escalated earlier on Sunday, with Petro threatening to raise tariffs on US imports by 25% and then 50%. However, the agreement reached later in the day appeared to have eased tensions between the two countries.

TRUMP FLOATS PLAN TO “CLEAN OUT” GAZA, SEEKING PALESTINIAN RESETTLEMENT

US President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, describing the territory as a “demolition site” after the Israel-Hamas war. Trump suggested that Egypt and Jordan could take in the Palestinians, estimating that around 1.5 million people would be relocated. “I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “You’re talking about probably a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing.” Trump emphasized that the relocation could be temporary or long-term, stating that “it’s literally a demolition site right now, almost everything is demolished and people are dying there.” The proposal has sparked concerns among Palestinians, who fear that any attempt to move them from Gaza would evoke memories of the mass displacement during Israel’s creation 75 years ago, known as the “Nakba” or catastrophe. Israel has denied plans to force Gazans to move, but some extreme-right members of the Israeli government have expressed support for the idea. Trump’s plan comes as a fragile truce and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas enters its second week. The US president has claimed credit for the deal, which was signed on the last day of former President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s administration has promised “unwavering support” for Israel, but details of its Middle East policy remain unclear. In a related development, Trump confirmed that he had ordered the Pentagon to release a shipment of 2,000-lb bombs for Israel, which was blocked by his predecessor Biden. “We released them. We released them today,” Trump said. “They paid for them and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time.”

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FIRES 17 INDEPENDENT INSPECTORS GENERAL, SPARKING CONGRESSIONAL OUTRAGE

In a sweeping move, the Trump administration fired approximately 17 independent inspectors general at government agencies, sparking outrage from congressional members who claim the action violates federal oversight laws. The dismissals, which began on Friday night, were effective immediately, with neither the exact number of firings nor the reasons behind them being officially confirmed. Senator Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns over the lack of transparency, stating, “There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so… I’d like further explanation from President Trump.” Grassley also emphasized that the 30-day notice period required by law was not provided to Congress. Inspectors general serve as independent watchdogs within government agencies, tasked with identifying mismanagement, abuse of power, and waste. Their removal has raised concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse within the administration. Graham Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged that the firings may have violated statutes but downplayed the issue, saying, “Just tell them you need to follow the law next time.” In contrast, Democrats and watchdog groups have condemned the move, with Senator Elizabeth Warren calling it “a purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.” Stier Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, emphasized the importance of inspectors general, stating, “Their work saves the taxpayer tens of billions of dollars every year.” The White House has not commented on the matter. The firings have sparked concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse within the administration, with Representative Gerald Connolly warning that “replacing independent inspectors general with political hacks will harm every American who relies on social security, veterans benefits, and a fair hearing at IRS on refunds and audits.”

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES MASS DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The Trump administration has begun mass deportations of illegal and undocumented immigrants from the United States, fulfilling a campaign promise made by President Donald Trump. According to a statement and pictures posted by the White House, “Just as he promised, President Trump is sending a strong message to the world: those who enter the United States illegally will face serious consequences.” The deportations, which started on January 23, have already resulted in the arrest of 538 undocumented immigrants, including a suspected terrorist and several individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors. The Trump administration has also announced plans to expand the deportation efforts, targeting cities such as Chicago, New York City, Miami, Denver, and Los Angeles. The move has been met with criticism from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that the deportations will tear families apart and harm the economy. However, the Trump administration has maintained that the deportations are necessary to enforce immigration laws and protect national security. As part of the deportation efforts, the administration has also authorized federal law enforcement personnel from various agencies to assist in carrying out immigration policies. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to cut federal funding to states that do not comply with deportation plans. The mass deportations have already had a significant impact on some communities, with reports of widespread fear and anxiety among immigrant populations. The move is also expected to have significant economic implications, particularly in industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor.

PAMELA HEMPHILL REFUSES TRUMP PARDON, SAYING “WE WERE WRONG THAT DAY”

Pamela Hemphill, who pleaded guilty to participating in the January 6 US Capitol riots, has refused a pardon from President Donald Trump. Hemphill, nicknamed the “Maga Granny,” was sentenced to 60 days in prison and told BBC that accepting a pardon would “insult the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and our nation”. “We were wrong that day, we broke the law – there should be no pardons,” Hemphill emphasized. She also expressed concerns that Trump’s government is trying to “rewrite history,” and she doesn’t want to be a part of it. Trump’s decision to pardon or commute the sentences of nearly 1,600 people involved in the riots has drawn mixed reactions from Republican politicians. Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina disagreed with the decision, citing “legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill.” Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma emphasized the importance of law and order, stating that attacking a police officer is a “very serious issue” that should be punished. The proclamation has identified 14 accused individuals, including Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, and Kenneth Harrelson, who will be released from incarceration if they are still in federal custody.

TRUMP PROPOSES CUTTING FEDERAL ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE DURING CALIFORNIA, NORTH CAROLINA VISIT

President Donald Trump has proposed cutting the federal role in disaster response, suggesting that states should take care of disasters themselves. Trump made the comments during a visit to California and North Carolina, where he surveyed damage from recent wildfires and Hurricane Helene. “I’d like to see the states take care of disasters,” Trump said in North Carolina. “Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen.” Trump also criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), saying that he was considering “getting rid of” the agency. In California, Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has been critical of the president in the past. Despite their differences, the two appeared to get along, with Newsom praising Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to need your support,” Newsom told Trump. “We’re going to need your help.” Trump responded by promising to provide federal assistance to the state, but also suggested that California’s water policies had contributed to the wildfires. Trump’s visit to California and North Carolina came as he faces criticism for his administration’s response to natural disasters. In North Carolina, residents told Trump about their struggles to recover from Hurricane Helene, which hit the state in September. “We’ve come to North Carolina with a simple message,” Trump said. “You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration.” Trump’s administration has distributed $319 million in financial assistance to residents affected by the hurricane, but some have criticized the response as inadequate.