World News

‘Wake up!’ European lawmakers warn Washington over Ukraine aid delays on January 19, 2024 at 10:30 am

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2024

European lawmakers visiting Washington this week issued dire warnings to Democrats and Republicans that the U.S. needs to help Ukraine secure victory over Russia this year or risk losing European assistance in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.

The plea came from a delegation of chairs of foreign affairs committees from six countries in Europe and Canada, meeting with U.S. lawmakers in between their fraught negotiations over border security policy that is holding up a major funding package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

“The reality is the U.S. also needs a wake up call,” said U.K. Member of Parliament Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

“If Taiwan is invaded, the U.S. will need to lead on it alongside Japan, Korea and Australia, and we in Europe will have to lead on Ukraine, and we’ll have to turn around and say to the U.S. we cannot give you what you want in support for Taiwan.”

The European lawmakers framed their message as tough love for an ally that is engulfed in partisan chaos.

”When it comes to the Democrats, our message has been, use some muscle, stop bunkering down, don’t let the Republicans set your agenda on foreign policy,” Kearns continued.

“You put the word China in anything, it passes on the Hill.”

And while the Europeans defended their contributions and commitments to Ukraine – $160 billion between Europe, Canada and Japan — they also conceded that there is no substitute for America’s military support for Ukraine, or its leadership on the global stage.

“It’s painful that you have to spend 80 percent of your energy waking up Washington, to be Washington,” said Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee in the Lithuanian Parliament.

“It takes years to wake up Washington, so please guys, wake up!”

The delegation, which included lawmakers from Canada, the Czech Republic, Spain, France and Lithuania, said they were optimistic that Republicans and Democrats are committed to delivering on President Biden’s $60 billion request to support Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia.

“Not a single Republican that met with us said to us that the money isn’t there for Ukraine. Not a single Republican said they are negotiating to reduce down the Ukraine amount,” Kearns said.

“And we met with, trust me, ones who would like to never hear the word Ukraine again.”

During their trip, the delegation met with lawmakers including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Reps. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Thomas Kean (R-N.J.), Bill Keating (D-Mass.), Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and Andy Harris (R-Md.).

Republicans writ large have increasingly soured on Ukraine support over the past year, with many arguing taxpayer dollars should be focused on domestic issues. Former President Trump has repeatedly promised to end the war if he returns to the White House, raising fears that he will pressure Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.

However, the group of European lawmakers, speaking in a roundtable meeting with reporters on Thursday, did not express major concerns about a second Trump term, pointing to areas for cooperation on priorities like Iran that link to other global conflicts.

But they were critical that U.S. lawmakers seemed dismissive of the impact of campaign rhetoric, saying Trump’s threatening U.S. commitments to NATO undermine America’s reliability overseas, and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“You make a flippant comment for domestic benefit… the repercussions are serious,” Kearns said. “And we can’t afford Biden sitting there on his hands bunkering down because he is fearful of what the Republicans will or won’t do or how they’ll use it against him. That’s been my biggest concern and the message we’re trying to land.”

The European lawmakers will be watching Biden closely as he hosts the NATO summit in Washington in June, concerned the U.S. may fall short on commitments to Ukraine.

The president and his senior aides have pushed back against calls to give Ukraine an invitation to join the alliance – a point of conflict that played out publicly during the Vilnius summit last year. But the European lawmakers are concerned that without major commitments from the U.S., Putin will grab the initiative.

“Europe is united on the end state, the end state is to have a Russia that cannot reinvade a neighbor within the next two to five years — which they are currently on track to be able to do — but actually not be able to invade a neighbor for the next 20 years,” Kearns said.

The $60 billion proposed by Biden for Ukraine is expected to cover Kyiv’s needs for at least a year, a commitment that European leaders welcomed. But with the war in a stalemate, and likely to drag on for months more, future U.S. support is anything but certain.

Ali Ehsassi, Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee for the Parliament of Canada, said the divisiveness among U.S. lawmakers over Ukraine — and global engagement in general — was “unsettling” and “nerve wracking.”

“We want to have assurances that this is a sturdy alliance that will continue to brainstorm together,” Ehsassi said.

“I’m sure Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi also see where those cracks are and that’s not a good thing either. So I’m very much concerned about the symbolism as well, and how it ricochets in foreign capitals.”

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.