World News

Biden secures deal with Venezuela to trade Maduro ally for US fugitive, detained Americans on December 20, 2023 at 7:19 pm

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2023

The Biden administration has reached an agreement to release one of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s closest allies in exchange for the freedom of 10 Americans, the return of an American businessman charged in a large-scale bribery scheme and commitments to democratic progress in the country.

The agreement will see the return of six Americans who were deemed wrongfully detained in Venezuela, four other Americans held in jail and the return of “Fat” Leonard Francis, who was being held in Venezuela after escaping house arrest in the U.S. ahead of a sentencing in a massive military corruption case. Leonard reportedly fled to South America on his way to Russia.

In exchange, President Biden has granted clemency to and is releasing to Venezuela Alex Nain Saab Morán, who was on trial in the U.S.

Saab was arrested in 2020 in the island nation of Cabo Verde on charges of money laundering and transferred to the U.S. in 2021. Saab was charged by the U.S. government with carrying out a multiyear currency trading scheme by bribing Venezuelan government officials and falsifying documents.

President Biden welcomed the release of the Americans in a statement, but warned that U.S. citizens should not travel to Venezuela for fear of arbitrary arrest.

“Reuniting wrongfully detained Americans with their loved ones has been a priority for my Administration since day one. As is the return to the United States of fugitives from justice,” Biden said in a statement.

The president further said he was continuing to work for the release of the more than 100 people being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip; and the release of Americans determined wrongfully detained in Russia and other parts of the world.

A senior administration official said in a Wednesday call with reporters that Biden had to make “the extremely difficult decision” to grant Saab clemency as part of the exchange.

“The consequences of this difficult decision will be to reunite parents with their children and grandchildren, children with their parents, family and friends, and to ensure that one of the most notorious fugitives from justice, Fat Leonard, is returned, and held to account for his crimes.”

Leonard had pleaded guilty in 2015 to bribery and fraud charges in connection to a large-scale, decade-long conspiracy against the U.S. Navy, in which he lavished Navy officials with gifts, cash, prostitutes and luxury travel in exchange for secret information that benefited his port logistics company.

Biden administration officials, speaking to reporters on a phone call while waiting for the finalization of the exchange to take place, said that the U.S. had also secured the release of 20 Venezuelan political prisoners and broader efforts toward a “restoration of democracy” in the country.

Administration officials said that while engaging “directly with representatives of Nicolás Maduro” on the deal, they also were actively consulting with members of the Venezuelan opposition, the Unitary Platform, including its presidential candidate María Corina Machado, and with members of Congress.

“It is something that demonstrates the results of dialogue, and it opened the doors for us to continue to engage in dialogue, so that when Venezuela holds elections next year, that they’re competitive and inclusive, and that will allow Venezuelans to really determine the future of their country,” a senior administration official said.

“This has established, I think, a solid foundation for us to build upon and to continue the dialogue in the months ahead.”

The administration also said Qatar played a role in mediating the deal. The Qatari government has also facilitated talks on Israel-Hamas hostage-for-prisoner exchanges in recent weeks.

“Qatar has been an important partner for the United States across a whole host of streams as you’ve undoubtedly seen, but I would say with regard to the process in Venezuela, for months they facilitated conversations between Maduro authorities and U.S. officials aimed at clearing a path toward a competitive election in 2024 and the return of wrongfully detained Americans,” the official said.

“They have continued to offer their good offices, when called upon, and we’re quite grateful for those efforts.”

Maduro’s regime is one of the most challenging foreign policy issues for the U.S., with his authoritarian leadership viewed as illegitimate, a humanitarian crisis in the country contributing to mass migration crisis, and Caracas’s ties with Russia and Iran contributing to global insecurity.

In October, representatives of Maduro and members of the opposition came to an agreement that elections in 2024 would include some opposition candidates, after talks overseen by Norway and signed in Barbados, referred to as the “Barbados agreement.”

A senior Biden administration official said Maduro’s release of 20 Venezuelan political prisoners is not part of the Barbados agreement but “brings us back in line with Barbados.”

The official said that Venezuela’s opposition is looking for the release of all political prisoners — there are an estimated 300, according to Amnesty International — and that competitive, inclusive elections “really are not possible if there is a fear of arbitrary detention.”

“These are going to be parts of the ongoing conversations between the Venezuelan parties, and our approach is going to be supportive of concrete outcomes in those talks.”

Updated at 2:54 p.m.

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 week ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

6 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.