By Adenike Lawal

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations, marking a major shift in the country’s foreign policy.
The directive, announced on Wednesday, was formalised in a Presidential Memorandum signed on January 7, 2026. A White House fact sheet said the move targets organisations deemed inconsistent with U.S. national interests.
Under the order, federal agencies are to halt participation in and funding for 35 non–UN bodies and 31 United Nations–related entities. The administration said the affected organisations undermine U.S. sovereignty, economic priorities and national security, while delivering little value despite significant American funding.
The decision followed a comprehensive review of U.S. involvement in international organisations, treaties and conventions. The White House said the outcome supports redirecting resources to domestic priorities, including infrastructure, security and economic protection.
The withdrawals extend Trump’s earlier actions, including pulling the U.S. out of the World Health Organization, the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council and cutting funding to UNRWA.
While critics warn of reduced U.S. global influence, the administration insists the policy is a strategic recalibration, stressing that continued participation in international bodies must directly benefit the United States.

By Adenike Lawal

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has declared that he remains the country’s legitimate president as he appeared before a federal court in New York following his arrest by United States forces.
Maduro, 63, pleaded not guilty on Monday to drug trafficking and related charges during his first court appearance in Manhattan. Speaking through an interpreter, he insisted he was innocent and said he had been unlawfully taken from Venezuela.
“I am the president of the Republic of Venezuela, and I was kidnapped from Caracas,” Maduro told the court, claiming his arrest violated the country’s sovereignty.
His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty. The court ordered both to remain in custody and fixed March 17 for their next hearing.
Maduro’s arrest followed a surprise US military operation in Caracas that reportedly involved airstrikes and a heavy security presence. The operation sparked protests by his supporters, while his former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as interim president.
US President Donald Trump later declared that Washington was now “in charge” in Venezuela and signaled plans to assert control over the country’s oil sector, dismissing calls for immediate elections.
Maduro, who assumed power in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez, has long been accused by the US and European Union of rigging elections and jailing opponents, allegations his government has denied.
The unfolding developments have plunged Venezuela into renewed uncertainty as legal proceedings against Maduro continue in the United States.

By Samuel Adeola

Manchester United have reportedly parted ways with head coach Rúben Amorim following growing tension and a breakdown in trust with the club hierarchy.
Sources said Amorim’s position became untenable after his post-match comments following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United, where he questioned the club’s structure and his authority. The former Sporting CP manager insisted he was hired as a “manager, not just a head coach,” remarks that reportedly did not sit well with executives.
Amorim, who joined United in November 2024 as Erik ten Hag’s replacement, struggled for consistency this season, with mixed league results increasing pressure on both him and the club.
While Manchester United have yet to issue an official statement, insiders say discussions late Sunday night and early Monday morning led to the decision. Amorim, 40, was under contract until 2027, but his public criticism of internal operations accelerated the split.
The club is expected to announce an interim manager soon as the search for a permanent replacement begins.