Donald Trump says American identity under 'renewed attack' as US turns 250
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
US President Donald Trump stated that the country's identity is under a "renewed attack" from domestic "radicals and extremists" on the eve of America's 250th birthday. Speaking at Mount Rushmore, Trump lauded American exceptionalism and praised past leaders, asserting that there is "a resurgence of the communist menace in our land." He has frequently emphasized this theme, particularly as the anti-establishment left of the Democratic Party has seen primary victories. Trump claimed there has been an "undeniable attempt to change this exceptional character, to beat the American spirit out of us, alienate us from our history." He added, "You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built." Trump is scheduled to hold a campaign-style political rally on the National Mall in Washington on July Fourth, featuring military jet flyovers and a fireworks display. America is currently experiencing deep divisions, with Trump's approval ratings near historic lows due to issues like the war in Iran and the rising cost of living. His attempts to brand the 250th anniversary have faced challenges, including sparse crowds at events and a record-breaking heat wave. A recent Quinnipiac University Poll indicated that 61 percent of Americans believe the US is not living up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, with a notable partisan divide on this opinion.
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The European Union has awarded 89 fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master鈥檚 scholarships to Nigerian students for the 2026 academic cycle. This places Nigeria as Africa鈥檚 leading beneficiary and among the top five globally for admissions into the program, with 163 Nigerian students admitted this year. The announcement was made by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, during the 2026 Erasmus Mundus Pre-Departure Orientation in Abuja. Mignot noted that the 2026 awards represent an increase from 81 Nigerian recipients in 2025, and the program is approaching 1,000 Nigerian beneficiaries since 2014. The Erasmus Mundus program offers fully funded education, enabling students to study at a minimum of two universities in two participating European countries. The EU aims to further expand access to global educational opportunities for Nigeria. Dr. Chinelo Nwosu, Director of the Directorate of Students, representing the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, commended the EU's investment in human capital development. Mrs. Liman K.A.A., Director of the Department of Scholarship Awards in the Federal Ministry of Education, representing the Permanent Secretary, emphasized the partnership between Nigeria and the EU. Oluchi Yulis Myron, a scholarship recipient, highlighted the opportunity for international exposure and acquiring knowledge to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 creative and cultural industries. The program is
Must ReadSeven OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, have decided to increase oil production quotas by 188,000 barrels per day, effective August 2026. This decision comes as Gulf countries recover from disruptions caused by the Middle East war, which had impacted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Combined production from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait had previously fallen by approximately six million barrels per day between the first quarter of 2026 and May. Following a memorandum of understanding signed in June between Tehran and Washington to ensure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, ship transport in the region has begun to normalize, leading to a sharp drop in oil prices. Analysts note that current production is likely still below OPEC+ targets, and restarting shut-in production will take time. While July is expected to show improvement, August is anticipated to see an accelerated pickup in oil supplies. Looking ahead to next year, a surplus is expected, and rebuilding inventories will initially help absorb flows. However, producers may face downward pressure on prices later. The cohesion of OPEC+, already affected by the departure of the United Arab Emirates, could be tested as members push for increased production amid potentially sliding prices. Iraq has requested higher quotas to compensate for wartime shortfalls, though an analyst suggests this need is not immediate given current production levels and may b
The Lagos State Government has accused individuals of politicizing flooding by sharing misleading images from other states and countries, undermining efforts to address environmental challenges. Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, stated on his X handle that some individuals are pushing a "destructive narrative" by falsely portraying flood incidents from outside Lagos as occurring within the state. He urged bloggers, social media influencers, and other stakeholders to verify information before sharing it, noting that the government monitors developments and responds to complaints. Wahab expressed concern that some influencers deliberately disseminate false information for clicks, disregarding the genuine concerns of residents. He appealed to residents to approach issues with responsibility and sensitivity, emphasizing that accurate information is critical for lasting solutions. While acknowledging freedom of expression, Wahab stressed that rights should be exercised responsibly and within legal confines. He specifically called out X user @Hhonor_, also known as Nedu, for posting a photograph of flooding in Accra, Ghana, and presenting it as a Lagos incident, urging verification of information to avoid misleading the public and undermining genuine efforts.