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Tag: trump

  • Kanye West did not lose millions of followers- Twitter declares

    Countless Kanye West fans were angry over the hip hop mogul’s pro-Trump twitter thread on Wednesday (April 25).

    Following the outrage, there were speculations that the entertainer lost a chunk of followers from the debate.

     

    The rapper called the President his “brother,” both exuding “dragon energy.” Fans were quick to point out Trump’s white chauvinist tendencies and expressed disappointment in West for supporting racism as a black man.

     

    Twitter users noticed that West’s following immediately dropped from 27.8 million to 18.6 million, just minutes after tweeting a photo of himself in a “Make America Great Again” hat.

    A Twitter spokesperson debunked the claims,noting in a statement that West still has 27 million followers: “We can confirm that Kanye’s follower count is currently at approximately 27M followers. Any fluctuation that people might be seeing is an inconsistency and should be resolved soon.”

     

    Lassa fever: FG replies Saudi Arabia over threats to ban Nigerian pilgrimages

     

  • Trump announces intention of U.S. to bid for 2026 World Cup

    U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the intention to bid for the 2026 World Cup in conjunction with Canada and Mexico.

    Trump, while announcing the bid on his Twitter handle, warned against opposition from countries that the U.S. has always supported.

    Morocco is currently challenging the North American bid for the first 48-team World Cup in 2026.

    The president suggested that the U.S. was considering withdrawing support for countries that are not reciprocating the America’s gestures.

    “The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid with Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.

    ” It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid.

    “Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)? Trump tweeted.

    The 2018 edition of the World Cup would be hosted by Russia.

    On Dec. 2, 2010, FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced the winning bids at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich.

    While Russia was chosen to host the 2018 World Cup, Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 World Cup.

  • Trump excited as North Korea suspends nuclear, missile tests

    U.S. President Donald Trump has shown excitement at the decision of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to suspend all nuclear and missile tests.
    Trump tweeted shortly after the announcement from Pyongyang that Kim has declared that he would suspend nuclear and missile tests starting from Saturday and that he would shut down the site where the previous six nuclear tests were conducted.
    Trump tweeted: “North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site.
    “This is very good news for North Korea and the World – big progress! Look forward to our Summit”.
    North Korea’s KCNA reported that Kim said the regime no longer needs nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests.
    “Under the proven condition of complete nuclear weapons, we no longer need any nuclear tests, mid-range and intercontinental ballistic rocket tests, and that the nuclear test site in northern area has also completed its mission,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
    The surprising announcement came just six days before Kim is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in, preparatory to a historic summit between Kim and Trump.
    Trump is set to meet Kim at the end of May or beginning of June, however, a location has not yet been set.
    Next Friday, Kim will cross the Military Demarcation Line that has divided the peninsula since the end of the Korean War in 1953, becoming the first North Korean leader to do so since then.
    He would step into “Peace House” on the southern side of the line to meet Moon, with their encounter being broadcast live.
    Moon signaled this week that everything was on the table at the meeting.
    “North Korea is expressing its intention for complete denuclearisation and it is not making demands that the U.S. cannot accept, such as the withdrawal of the U.S. forces in Korea,” Moon said on Thursday.
    The U.S. military has 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, with back-ups in Japan and on Guam – the legacy of the standoff that has ensued since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953.

  • Trump, Obama, Clinton, others mourn Barbara Bush

    U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, former Presidents and first ladies Barack Obama and Michelle, and Bill Clinton and Hillary were among dignitaries that have mourned former First Lady Barbara Bush.

    Spokesman for the family, Jim McGrath, announced Barbara’s death on Tuesday evening at the age of 92, after a series of recent hospitalisation.

    Trump ordered flags be flown at half mast in her honour.

    The president recalled Bush for her commitment to spreading literacy, and as an “advocate of the American family.”

    “She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well,” Trump said in a statement.

    Vice-President Mike Pence praised Bush as an inspiration to others, highlighting her devotion to her family.

    The Obamas said: “We’ll always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but we’re even more grateful for the way she lived her life.

    “As a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit”.

    Former President Bill Clinton, who defeated George H.W. Bush in the 1992 election, said Bush was a “remarkable woman” who was “fierce and feisty” in support of her family, friends, her country and her causes.

    “She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like,” Clinton said.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives. Paul Ryan said: “Barbara Bush holds a revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans. She so loved her family and our country”.

    Former Vice President Joe Biden fondly remembered Bush for her wit, intelligence and love of her family and country.

    Biden said in a statement: “Her tireless work as a champion for global literacy will be just one legacy she leaves behind.

    “The others will be her unshakable faith, her devotion to service and her beloved family, in which she instilled that same great love of country and public service.”

    Former Vice President Al Gore, who lost the presidency to George W. Bush, said Barbara was “a pillar of strength for her family and was much admired in our country”.

    “Both the wife and the mother of a U.S. President, she will be remembered for her service, pragmatism, and strong, kind spirit,” he said.

    Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also reacted to Barbara’s death.

    “Always a friend to Canada, Barbara Bush leaves a legacy of dignity, grace, service and devotion to family.

    “Sophie and I send our deepest condolences to Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, their family, and to all Americans,” Trudeau said.

    Politicians across the aisles also mourned the death of Barbara, recalling the former first lady for her dedication to her country and family.

    The matriarch of the Bush family, Barbara was the second woman to ever have her husband and son both serve as president.

    She served as first lady during the presidency of her husband, George H.W. Bush while her oldest son was elected president in 2000 and served two terms.

    Her younger son, Jeb Bush, served two terms as governor of Florida, and ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign for the Republican nomination in 2016.

     

  • Trump invites Buhari to Washington

    Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will be the guest of US President Donald Trump on 30 April in Washington, the White House announced on Sunday.

    According to the statement, Trump will discuss issues such as promoting economic growth and fighting terrorism with Buhari.

    “The relationship of the United States with Nigeria is deep and strong, and Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership in Africa will advance our mutual prosperity,” the statement said.

    Nigeria has been combating the terrorist organization Boko Haram since 2009.

    The State Department under Trump approved the sale of 12 high-technology attack planes and equipment worth $600 million to Nigeria last year after the Obama administration halted the sale because of accusations that Nigeria’s air force was bombing civilians.

    The scheduled meeting will be the second between the two leaders. Last year September, the two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, during a luncheon Trump held for a select group of African leaders.

    President Buhari who came to power in 2015, announced last week Monday, that he plans to seek reelection in 2019.

    The Nigerian leader who left Abuja for the U.K. On Monday, will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit which begins in London on 18 April and ends on 20 April.

     

  • Why I ordered strike on Syria – Trump

    Why I ordered strike on Syria – Trump

    U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he ordered a strike on Syria in response to last weekend’s chemical weapons attack.

    Trump, while addressing the nation on Friday night, said the joint strike with France and the United Kingdom was currently underway.

    “A short time ago, I ordered the United States Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

    “A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now underway,” Mr Trump said.

    Pentagon, at a press briefing on the strike at 10 p.m., said the strikes did maximum damages to Assad’s regime’s chemical weapons sites.

    Trump said that the “massacre” last weekend in Syria “was a significant escalation in a pattern of chemical weapons use by that very terrible regime.”

    “The evil and the despicable attack left mothers and fathers, infants and children thrashing in pain and gasping for air. These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,” Trump said.

    Trump also took a swipe at Russia and Iran, condemning their continued support to Assad’s regime.

    “To Iran and to Russia I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?

    “The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep. No nation can succeed in the long run by promoting rogue states, brutal tyrants, and murderous dictators,” Trump said.

    “In 2013, President Vladimir Putin and his government promised the world that they would guarantee the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons.

    “Assad’s recent attack and today’s response are the direct result of Russia’s failure to keep that promise.

    “Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilised nations as a force for stability and peace.

    “Hopefully, someday we’ll get along with Russia and maybe even Iran. But maybe not,” the president stressed.

    Trump however added that the U.S. “does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria”.

    “We look forward to the day when we can bring our warriors home. We cannot purge the world of evil or act everywhere there is tyranny.

    “No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” Trump said.

    “We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria. We pray that God will guide the whole region toward a future of dignity and of peace.

    “And we pray that God will continue to watch over and bless the United States of America,” he said.

    U.S. Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis said U.S. and its allies struck harder this time than the 2017 strike against the country which did not seem to deter the Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

    Joseph Dunford, Joint Chief of Staff, said the strikes were carried out on three Syrian chemical weapons infrastructures and the U.S. believed it would send al-Assad a strong message.

    On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said analysis done by the U.S., U.K. and France proved the chemical attack.

    In a statement Friday night, UK Prime Minister Theresa May called last weekend’s chemical attack “pure horror”.

    “The Syrian regime has a history of using chemical weapons against its own people in the most cruel and abhorrent way.

    “And a significant body of information including intelligence indicates the Syrian Regime is responsible for this latest attack,” May said.

    French President Emmanuel Macron said the response was “limited to the Syrian regime’s capabilities to produce and use chemical weapons”.

    “We cannot tolerate the normalisation of the use of chemical weapons, which is a direct threat to the security of the Syrian people and our collective security,” Macron said.

  • One dead, several injured as fire breaks out at Trump Tower in New York

    One dead, several injured as fire breaks out at Trump Tower in New York

    A fire has broken out at Trump Tower in New York, with black smoke and flames seen billowing from one of the upper storeys.

    Police identified the man killed as Todd Brassner, 67, a resident of the building’s 50th floor. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later died, said spokeswoman Angelica Conroy of the Fire Department.
    Brassner was unconscious and unresponsive when firefighters pulled him out, the New York Police Department said. The medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of death.

    The New York Fire Department tweeted that it was responding and that one person was reported to be injured.

    US President Donald Trump has a home and an office in the building, but is in Washington this weekend.

    The fire is reported to be on the 50th floor of the high-rise, which contains both apartments and office space.

    The president tweeted that the fire was out, and had been “very confined” as the tower is a “well built building”.

    Emergency services have not confirmed the current status of the blaze.

    Streets surrounding the building in Midtown Manhattan have been closed off.

    A spokeswoman for First Lady Melania Trump confirmed that she and their son Barron Trump were also in Washington.

    Mr Trump’s son Eric tweeted that the fire had been at a “residential apartment” and thanked the “incredible” NYFD for their response.

    BBC

  • Trump hails sack of FBI deputy chief, Andrew McCabe

    U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed the firing of outgoing FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe by Attorney-General Jeff Sessions two days to retirement after two decades of service to the bureau.

    McCabe announced his retirement from the bureau abruptly in January and it was to take effect on Sunday.

    His dismissal, just days before he was set to retire, puts his full pension and benefits package in jeopardy and is seen as an inglorious end to a career of almost 22 years with the bureau.

    Trump responded on Twitter just after midnight on Saturday, calling McCabe’s firing “a great day for the hard working men and women of the FBI – A great day for Democracy.”

    He tweeted: “Andrew McCabe FIRED, a great day for the hard working men and women of the FBI – A great day for Democracy.

    “Sanctimonious James Comey was his boss and made McCabe look like a choirboy.

    “He knew all about the lies and corruption going on at the highest levels of the FBI!”

    Sessions, in a statement, said an internal FBI investigation recommended dismissal over McCabe’s alleged “lack of candour” about contacts he had with a former Wall Street Journal reporter in 2016.

    Sessions said he accepted the recommendation that “concluded that Mr McCabe had made an unauthorised disclosure to the news media and lacked candour – including under oath – on multiple occasions”.

    “Based on the report of the Inspector General, the findings of the FBI Office of Professional Responsibility, and the recommendation of the Department’s senior career official, I have terminated the employment of Andrew McCabe effective immediately,” Sessions said.

    Sessions also said in explaining his decision that: “The FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability.

    “As the OPR proposal stated, ‘all FBI employees know that lacking candour under oath results in dismissal and that our integrity is our brand’”.

    However, in a statement issued immediately after his termination was announced, McCabe said the decision was politically motivated.

    He said: “The big picture is a tale of what can happen when law enforcement is politicised, public servants are attacked.

    “And people who are supposed to cherish and protect our institutions become instruments for damaging those institutions and people.

    “Here is the reality: “I am being singled out and treated this way because of the role I played, the actions I took, and the events I witnessed in the aftermath of the firing of James Comey.

    “The release of this report was accelerated only after my testimony to the House Intelligence Committee revealed that I would corroborate former Director Comey’s accounts of his discussions with the President.

    “The OIG’s focus on me and this report became a part of an unprecedented effort by the Administration, driven by the President himself, to remove me from my position, destroy my reputation, and possibly strip me of a pension that I worked 21 years to earn.

    “The accelerated release of the report, and the punitive actions taken in response, make sense only when viewed through this lens”.

     

  • FBI Deputy Director, Andrew McCabe fired few days before retirement

    Few days after the sack of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson by President Donald Trump, FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has been suspended for lying to investigators reviewing the bureau’s probe of Hillary Clinton’s email server.

    The sack made possible by the Justice Department, dealt a big blow to McCabe, as his firing came just days before his retirement and a guarantee of lifetime pension.

    “Pursuant to Department Order 1202, and based on the report of the Inspector General, the findings of the FBI Office of Professional Responsibility, and the recommendation of the Department’s senior career official, I have terminated the employment of Andrew McCabe effective immediately,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

    “After an extensive and fair investigation and according to Department of Justice procedure, the Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provided its report on allegations of misconduct by Andrew McCabe to the FBI’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR),” Sessions said.

    “The FBI’s OPR then reviewed the report and underlying documents and issued a disciplinary proposal recommending the dismissal of Mr. McCabe. Both the OIG and FBI OPR reports concluded that Mr. McCabe had made an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and lacked candor − including under oath − on multiple occasions. Read also

    The FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability. As the OPR proposal stated, ‘all FBI employees know that lacking candor under oath results in dismissal and that our integrity is our brand.’”

    McCabe hit back in a fiery response of his own.

    “This attack on my credibility is one part of a larger effort not just to slander me personally, but to taint the FBI, law enforcement, and intelligence professionals more generally,” McCabe said.

    “It is part of this Administration’s ongoing war on the FBI and the efforts of the Special Counsel investigation, which continue to this day. Their persistence in this campaign only highlights the importance of the Special Counsel’s work.”

    McCabe’s firing marked stunning fall for a man who was No. 2 at the bureau for a time under Comey, ran it and even was reportedly on President Trump’s short list for the directorship.

  • Tillerson unaware of reason for sack, did not speak to Trump – Official

    United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is unaware of why President Donald Trump has asked him to resign and did not speak to him about it, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Steve Goldstein said in a statement on Tuesday.

    “The Secretary did not speak to the President and is unaware of the reason, but he is grateful for the opportunity to serve, and still believes strongly that public service is a noble calling,” Goldstein said.

    Trump, however, said that he and Tillerson disagreed on many things, including the Iran nuclear deal, following the announcement of the top diplomat’s departure from the high-ranking position.

    “We got along actually quite well, but we disagreed on things. When you look at the Iran deal, I think it’s terrible, I guess he thinks it was okay.

    “We wanted to either break it or do something and he felt a little bit differently.

    “So we were not really thinking the same,” Trump told reporters.

    Trump added that he made the decision to fire Tillerson by himself.

    Trump announced that Tillerson was leaving and will be replaced with Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo.

    “Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service!” Trump wrote in a Twitter message.

    A White House official said Trump wanted to make the change at the State Department ahead of expected talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and trade negotiations.

    Trump reportedly asked Tillerson to resign on Friday while the secretary was in the middle of a diplomatic trip to Africa.

    Tillerson cut his trip short by a day and returned to Washington, DC on Monday.

    Trump plans to nominate Gina Haspel, the CIA’s Deputy Director, to take over for Pompeo.

    Haspel would become the first female director in the history of the intelligence agency.

    Haspel served as a clandestine officer with the CIA in 2002 in Thailand and oversaw the torture of two terrorism suspects and destruction of videotapes documenting that torture, according to a Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture.

    Both Pompeo and Haspel will need Senate confirmation before starting their new positions.