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Donald Trump’s policies could add twice as much to US debt as Kamala Harris’: study

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China-targeted tariffs by former American president would lead to significant revenue loss plus ‘economic and geopolitical repercussions’

Former US president Donald Trump‘s tariff plans, including additional duties on Chinese imports, could offset US$2.7 trillion of American debt in the next decade but could also trigger revenue loss with “geopolitical repercussions”, a study has found.

Trump’s fiscal proposals could add twice as much to the national debt compared to plans under US Vice-President Kamala Harris, according to a report by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a Washington-based non-profit group, on Monday.

Policies under the Republican standard-bearer, who has proposed further tax cuts for corporations and replacing individual income tax with tariffs, could add to the US budget deficit by up to US$15.15 trillion compared to US$8.1 trillion under his Democratic opponent’s plans, the non-partisan group said.

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Trump has long advocated the idea of imposing high tariffs on US imports, arguing they could create jobs domestically and shrink the federal deficit.

Since launching his 2024 bid for the White House, the former president has proposed a 10 or 20 per cent universal tariff on all imports as well as 60 per cent duties on Chinese goods.

A 10 per cent universal tariff could raise US$2.5 trillion for the American economy, the report found, or up to US$4.30 trillion if Trump goes with a 20 per cent tariff. But either amount would fall far short of making up the costs of his other fiscal policies.

In addition, his tariff plans could lead to significant revenue loss, plus “economic and geopolitical repercussions”, especially with additional duties imposed on Chinese goods.

Trump during his first term as president took aim at Beijing with tariffs on more than US$300 billion worth of mainland imports, most of which remain in effect.

On the campaign trail for the November election, he has vowed to double down with more tariffs if re-elected, accusing the world’s second-biggest economy of being responsible for a large trade deficit with the US while “stealing” American jobs.

One of Trump’s prime targets is electric vehicles, having described them as a “green new scam”. At a rally in Wisconsin on Sunday, he threatened to impose tariffs as high as 200 per cent on Chinese EVs imported from Mexico.

EVs made on the mainland already face 100 per cent tariffs under US President Joe Biden, who said the product has undercut America’s manufacturing industry.

The Biden administration has also promoted a narrative of Chinese manufacturing being at “overcapacity”, urging American allies to address the challenge too.

Last week, the European Union voted in favour of additional tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Chinese EVs from November after initial negotiations with China fell through. The two agreed to continue talks, with the latest one scheduled on Monday, according to China’s commerce ministry.

Beijing has slammed the moves by Western nations as “indiscriminate” and “unfair”, saying they disrupt global supply chains. It has retaliated by imposing export controls on critical mineralsthat are essential for making EVs.

The report’s findings follow similar research that has warned of negative impacts on the US economy should Trump’s proposed tariffs on China come to fruition.

In September, the Tax Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, estimated the 10 per cent universal tariff and 60 per cent Chinese import tariff would reduce US GDP by roughly 0.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, a report last month by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, another Washington-based think tank, asserted that Trump’s tariff measures would result in weaker economic growth, higher inflation and job losses.

If China opted to retaliate, it added, US GDP would fall by more than 0.2 per cent below the baseline by 2026 and inflation would rise by 0.6 percentage points in 2025.

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Politics

APC denies Tinubu-Shettima rift amid North Central’s push for 2027 vice presidency

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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, rejecting claims that Tinubu is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections.

Despite Tinubu not officially announcing a re-election bid, party loyalists and key stakeholders have reportedly begun mobilizing support for a potential second term. However, recent rumors suggesting discord between Tinubu and Shettima have been described as unfounded by party officials.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, refuted the reports, describing them as “beer-parlour discussions” without any credible basis.

“This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously,” Ibrahim said.

He added that even if the president were to consider replacing the vice president, such a decision would require extensive consultations with critical stakeholders, not unilateral action.

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone have renewed their demand for either the presidency or vice presidency in the 2027 elections.

At a press conference held in Abuja, leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, urged major political parties to consider zoning their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders argued that if APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential ticket, the vice-presidential slot should be allocated to the North Central.

Prof. K’tso, flanked by other regional leaders, emphasized that the region has been sidelined since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, having never produced a democratically elected president or vice president.

“Of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only North Central and South East have not occupied the positions of president or vice president in the past 26 years of the Fourth Republic,” he said.

He noted that the North Central’s case is worse than that of the South East, which at least produced Dr. Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983.

“This is about fairness. We want to be recognized not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project,” K’tso stated.

However, the APC has dismissed the North Central’s demand, describing it as unrealistic and premature.

Reacting to the calls, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim said the demand was “dead on arrival,” arguing that the region’s electoral contribution is relatively low compared to other zones like the North West.

“The North Central should not see the presidency or vice presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to zones like the North West. They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension,” Ibrahim revealed.

He further noted that zoning discussions should not arise while President Tinubu is still serving his first term.

“The current occupant of the presidency must be given the chance to serve two terms. Conversations about zoning should only happen after that,” he emphasized.

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I Will Pay Full Compensation To Families Of 16 Hunters K!lled In Edo State – Governor Okpebholo.

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The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured the families of the 16 hunters killed in Uromi that he will provide full compensation for their loss.

Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other high-ranking dignitaries, paid a condolence visit to Torankawa in Bunkure Local Government Area. During the visit, he further pledged to support the bereaved families with cash and food donations.

Lamenting the killings of the innocent victims, Okpebholo, visibly angry, vowed in the village that the gruesome murders would not go unpunished.

“We will ensure that justice is served on those responsible for this heinous act,” he stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of family members and supporters took to the streets in a peaceful protest, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “We demand justice for the killings of our people,” “Hunters are not criminals,” and “We demand the speedy dispensation of justice in this matter.”

Protesters thronged the road leading to Torankawa village, voicing their demands. Many hunters, armed with their hunting weapons, joined the peaceful demonstration.

Similarly, other placards bore inscriptions such as “Killings in the North must stop,” “Northerners are peace-loving citizens,” and “Justice must prevail.”

Some hunters, visibly agitated, chanted war songs, brandishing weapons as the governor’s convoy passed, while local residents kept the situation under control.

 

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All Soludo Support Group (ASSG) has made a significant donation of N30million to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, demonstrating their confidence in his leadership and commitment to his re-election bid.

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The All Soludo Support Group (ASSG) has made a significant donation of N30million to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, demonstrating their confidence in his leadership and commitment to his re-election bid.

This donation is specifically intended to cover the cost of the APGA governorship candidate form, and it’s a testament to the governor’s popularity and the group’s enthusiasm for his continued leadership.

According to ekwutosblog, this donation is a significant boost to Soludo’s campaign, reflecting the widespread support he enjoys among his constituents.

Governor Soludo’s administration has been praised for its development initiatives and human-oriented policies, which have transformed Awka into a world-class capital city.

The ASSG’s donation is the latest in a series of endorsements and support for Governor Soludo’s re-election bid.

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