World leaders react to Biden’s withdrawal from U.S. presidential race

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma President Joe Biden’s decision on Sunday to end his campaign to seek reelection in November is generating reactions from foreign leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had known Mr Biden for years and that “he’s a great man.” Mr Trudeau added, “Everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his reaction on X, said, “Joe Biden has achieved a great deal – for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the U.S. is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.” Reacting in a statement, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.” “I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.” Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his unwavering support of Israel over the years. “Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship,” Mr Gallant stated. In his comments on X, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he admired “the brave and dignified decision” of the U.S. president. “Thanks to his determination and leadership. The U.S. overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression. A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom,” Mr Sanchez stated. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement, “On behalf of the people and government of Ireland. I … would like to thank you, Mr President, for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. “Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him a great debt for this.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said, “The elections are still four months away. And that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation (the war in Ukraine). Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stoere and his Polish and Czech counterparts Donald Tusk and Petr Fiala, respectively, reacted to Mr Biden’s withdrawal from the U.S. presidential race.

Elon Musk pledges $45 million a month to electing Trump

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma Tech billionaire Elon Musk said he plans to commit roughly $45 million each month to a new fund backing Donald Trump for US president, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. Musk’s donations will go to a political group dubbed America PAC, which will focus on promoting voter registration, early voting and mail-in ballots among residents in swing states ahead of the November general election, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Musk is one of several major backers of the new fund, with others reportedly including Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, former US ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and cryptocurrency investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. The Tesla founder formally endorsed Trump’s candidacy for US president on Saturday after the former president survived a shooting at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote on the social media platform X, which he acquired in 2022. Musk, the wealthiest man in the world with an estimated net worth of $250 billion, has grown increasingly friendly with Trump over the course of the 2024 US election. In March, the two met in person during a donor breakfast hosted at the Florida residence of billionaire Nelson Peltz. Though individual campaign donations in the United States are capped at $3,300 per person, loopholes in the campaign finance system allow political mega donors to contribute to funds known as political action committees or “PACs,” which support candidates. Trump previously decried mail and absentee voting, but has backtracked on his criticisms after it became clear Democrats had an edge among mail voters.

US Elections: An Assassination Attempt on Trump

Hooliganism and thuggary reared an ugly head in America yesterday as a gunman identified as Thomas Mathew Crook in an assassination attempt shot at former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pensylvania. The assassination, which motif is yet to be established as at press time, got the former President, tearing off a part of his right ear with blood streaming down on that part of his face. The shooter, aged twenty was profiled as a Republican who donated to a group named as the Democratic-aligned. After the incident, Mr. Trump was harried into a waiting armoured SUV to a medical facility in the town. Security experts are currently working to put the bits and pieces together in order to arrive at the motive for the assassination attempt which happened from an unmanned rooftop close to the venue of the rally. Assassination Attempt: Biden, Democrats Condemn Attempt President Joe Biden and other top Democrats have condemned the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Mr. Biden, while condemning attempt, said that regardless of whatever the situation may be, Trump should be able to do his rally without any harm to his life. Trump, while reacting to the attempt, told his supporters via an email, “I will never surrender.”

FG condemns attack on US consulate staff in Anambra

The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the attack on the motorcade of staff of United States (US) Consulate in Nigeria by gunmen in Ogabru Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra which left four people dead. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in a statement by the ministry’s Spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, on Wednesday in Abuja. The government commiserated with the families of the deceased, assuring them that an investigation had already begun with a view to identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to book. “The Federal Government received with dismay the sad news of the attack on the convoy of the staffers of the U.S. Consulate on May 16, 2023 in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. “The unfortunate incident, which led to the death of two policemen and two staff of the consulate, is condemnable and most regrettable. “While the investigation to fish out the culprits and bring them to book is ongoing the federal government extends its sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased as well as to the United States Consulate and Mission in Nigeria over the unfortunate incident. “The Federal Government remains undaunted by this sad development and reiterates its commitment to the continued fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the country.”