World News

The Memo: Zelensky faces tough task in Washington as GOP skepticism grows on September 20, 2023 at 10:00 am

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington on Thursday at a moment when continued support from his most important ally looks imperiled.

The Capitol Hill battle over whether, and how, to avoid a government shutdown has put a spotlight on the increasing reluctance, at least among some Republicans, to maintain American backing for Ukraine at its current pace.

Some express a desire for greater scrutiny of the money being dispatched to the Eastern European nation.

“Tell us what you’re doing with the money, and let’s have a debate on the floor about this funding and not ramming it down our throats,” Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) told CBS News.

Others have issued starker warnings and offered thinly veiled criticism of Zelensky himself.

“There’s no money in the House right now for Ukraine,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) told reporters Tuesday. “It’s not a good time for him to be here, quite frankly.”

There are clear signs of an erosion of public support, too. A CNN/SSRS poll last month found a majority of Americans opposed to Congress authorizing further support to Ukraine, 55 percent to 45 percent.

The share of Americans who said that the U.S. should “do more” to help Ukraine fell to 48 percent in that poll, outpaced by the 51 percent who said it had already “done enough.”

As CNN’s report noted, a comparable poll soon after Russia’s February 2022 invasion found 62 percent of Americans saying their nation should “do more.”

As for Zelensky, his image has increasingly fallen victim to the polarization that is rife in American politics.

An Economist/YouGov national poll conducted at the end of last month found that Republicans were approximately evenly split on whether they had a favorable or unfavorable view of Ukraine’s leader.

Thirty-seven percent had a favorable opinion, but 35 percent viewed him unfavorably.

By contrast, only 9 percent of Democrats had an unfavorable view of Zelensky, while 60 percent saw him in a favorable light.

Some Republican critics of the Ukrainian president have grabbed headlines with especially vivid attacks.

Earlier this year, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) told the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that Zelensky “wants our sons and daughters to go die in Ukraine.”

Following Zelensky’s first appearance before Congress in late 2022, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) accused those who rapturously applauded of engaging in a “North Korea-style performance.”

But even beyond fiery soundbites, some American voters are clearly balking at the sheer sums involved in supporting Ukraine.

President Biden is currently seeking congressional approval for another $24 billion, which would bring total U.S. aid to Ukraine to $135 billion.

Meanwhile, a much-vaunted Ukrainian counteroffensive has had modest results, and there is no obvious end to the war in sight.

The overall situation is sparking concern among those who back more U.S. support for Ukraine.

“I’m uneasy about it,” said Robert Wilkie, who served as the U.S. secretary of Veterans Affairs and under secretary of Defense during the Trump administration.

Wilkie contended that President Biden had not made the case sharply enough to an American audience about how vital it is to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expansionist ambitions. If Russia prevailed, he argued, it would be a massive victory not just for Putin but, indirectly, for China.

Wilkie also contended that there was a problem with Republicans who back aid “feeling like they are standing on their own.”

Others argue that the debate over Ukraine has increasingly fallen victim to the dynamics of an intensifying 2024 presidential race.

Joel Rubin, who served as a deputy assistant secretary of State during the Obama administration, contended that the “window” for further aid to Ukraine was just about open now — and closing fast.

“The reality is that the further we get into the presidential cycle, the harder it’s going to be, because Donald Trump is going to win this primary overwhelmingly and he is staking out a position that is hostile to Ukraine.”

Trump has promised, in vague terms, that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if he were reelected president. He has implied that Ukraine would have to give up some territory in such a settlement.

Rubin, who is also a candidate in the Democratic primary in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, added that if Trump indeed becomes the nominee, “That is going to really hurt congressional Republicans, because the last thing they are going to want to do is look like they are supporting a policy that hurts their nominee. So they are going to be very, very nervous about supporting aid for Ukraine.”

Zelensky’s political skills have been underestimated in the past.

But he faces a politically complicated conundrum as he arrives to make his case.

“As far as I can tell, enthusiasm — unfortunately — for American assistance to Ukraine has diminished and has become more partisan, like everything in American politics these days,” said Allan Lichtman, a professor of history at American University.

“It becomes partisan, of course, because it is so closely associated with President Biden,” Lichtman added. “Republicans, no matter what, are intent on opposing anything with President Biden’s name on it.”

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington on Thursday at a moment when continued support from his most important ally looks imperiled. The Capitol Hill battle over whether, and how, to avoid a government shutdown has put a spotlight on the increasing reluctance, at least among some Republicans, to maintain American backing for Ukraine…

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.