U.S Archives - Uluzon

Box Office Bonanza: ’Moana 2’ claims Thanksgiving records with $28 Million on its first day.

Box Office Bonanza: ’Moana 2’ claims Thanksgiving records with $28 Million on its first day

Disney again and again gives their fans every movie they crave for and Moana 2 did wash over the platforms as it earned $28 million on Thanksgiving Day. This performance not only guarantees the animated film high records, but also revives the movie industry which has had a difficult few years.

Biden to Attend Trump’s Inauguration: A Commitment to Democracy

Honor democracy is a theme White House focuses on according to this article.

Biden to Keep His Promise Amidst Record Breaking Inauguration

Later this month, in a show of support for the U.S. Constitution, President-elect Joe Biden will attend the inauguration of ex-President Donald Trump in January, the White House said on Monday.

Deputy Press Secretary in the Joe Biden’s camp, Andrew Bates stressed on the significance of the gesture and pointed out, “The president promised he would attend the inauguration of whoever won the election. Republicans would protest this year if He and the First Lady are going to honor that promise.

But despite past tensions, a show of unity was evident at the meeting.

This is quite a historic occasion especially since Trump did not attend Biden’s inauguration on the 20th of January in 2021 after having enjoined his supporters on the 6th of January 2021 to storm the US Capitol over his claims of electoral fraud.

Bates further said, “This is a concern to show concern to the people as we embrace democratic dispensation and respect for the people’s voice. It’s about making sure that the transition is as smooth and efficient as it should be.”

The historic election involving Biden

Biden’s decision to attend comes after he scaled down his own bid for the second term in July this year. His endorsement of Kamala Harris vice president candidate was sparked by questions on his age and his performances during a decisive debate against Trump.

However, after Trump’s win over Harris on November 5, Biden invited Trump to the White House proving good intention in ensuring a transfer of power.

The America That We All Know: A Legacy of Upholding Democracy

While attacking Trump as dangerous for democracy during the 2024 campaign, Biden proved to be quite consistent in his pursuit of democracy after the election.

This historical moment has made it crucial for Americans to understand that their democracy irrespective of partisanship is strong. Before going to the inauguration, Biden sends a message of unity and respect to the electoral process.

Trump Vows Wide-Scale Tariffs on Mexico, Canada & China

Trade tensions escalate as Beijing threatens, “We won’t see any winners in a trade war.”

A Bold Trade Agenda: The increase of 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada

The US President-elect Donald Trump, The Donald, has promised to introduce high tariffs into some of the major trading partners of the USA as part of his tough economic policy plans.

Trump in a thread on Truth Social said that he will sign an executive order to slap a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian imports on the 20th of January since he became president.

China in the Crosshairs: 10% Tariff to Combat Fentanyl ‘Option’

He also proposed a 10% tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports citing what he says is Beijing’s unwillingness to block the supply of fentanyl into the US. The move would be beyond any existing tariff that is already in place targeting China’s exports.

‘China believes that China-US economic and trade cooperation the cooperation between China and US is mutually advantageous,’ replied Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in US pointing out that a trade war would be disadvantageous to all parties involved.

Canada and Mexico Push Back

Both Canada and Mexico laid most of their arguments on the positive impacts of trade relations with the US.

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said that Canada is critical to US energy needs and will work with the incoming administration.

Mexico is poorly positioned to challenge Trump’s threats because a large amount of its exports go to the United States.

A Return to Protectionism: Implications of Trump’s First Term

His first regime was also characterized similarly by protectionism measures. He declared a trade war against China based on issues to do with the theft of intellectual property, imbalances of trade, and unfair competition. China fired back with equal tariffs which greatly affected American farmer.

His administration also reworked the NAFTA to the USMCA, solving his concerns about the giveaway to Mexican and Canadian industries.

Rich Measure of Economic Threats Foreseen

Many economists also warned that Trump’s tariff plans will lead to smaller economic growth as well as higher inflation. Usually it is importers who pay tariffs, while it is common practice that they transfer these additional costs to the consumers and possible raise prices.

“Mexico and Canada rely on the US market, hence their capacity to ignore threats from President-elect Trump is minimal,” said Wendy Cutler, who is a vice president of Asia Society Policy Institute.

Prospective Trade Averages In China

The new trade policies are expected to be led by Trump nominee for commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. We will revisit that in a moment but before that, Lutnick has suggested even more extreme measures such as a 60 percent tariff on Chinese imports and 10 percent tariff for all other imports.

William Reinsch, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said this was more of ‘bluster before bargaining’ and that, given the legal and political precedents, more tariffs on China are expected.

The Future of America’s Trade Policy

Canada, Mexico and the United States signed a new pact called United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which is to replace NAFTA and can be renegotiate in 2026 which might give Trump another chance to alter the structure of the trade.

As the President-elect sharpens his protectionist agenda, the question remains: Does it possible for the US to ensure the balance between security and economic development as well as friendly relations with trade partners?

Watch out as these trade fights evolve, that transform the international relations system.

Elon Musk Joins Trump’s Cabinet: Key Picks and Surprising Choices for 2025

President-elect Trump’s Cabinet selections bring controversy, intrigue, and familiar faces.

Elon Musk Tapped to Lead New “Efficiency” Department

In a groundbreaking move, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, will co-lead a newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) alongside Republican primary contender Vivek Ramaswamy. This unprecedented department aims to overhaul federal bureaucracy with a focus on efficiency, spending cuts, and regulatory streamlining. Musk, a vocal Trump supporter, has pledged to bring his innovative vision to Washington.

Brooke Rollins to Head Agriculture Amid Focus on Farmland Security

Former Trump advisor Brooke Rollins has been nominated as Secretary of Agriculture. As president of the America First Policy Institute, Rollins has championed efforts to curb foreign ownership of U.S. farmland—a priority in Trump’s second term agenda.

Treasury Secretary: Hedge Fund Star Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent, founder of Key Square Management and a major donor to Trump’s campaign, has been selected to head the Treasury. Known for his pro-tariff stance, Bessent’s Wall Street experience will shape Trump’s economic policies as he navigates trade negotiations.

HHS Pick Sparks Debate: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a polarizing figure for his vaccine skepticism, has been named Secretary of Health and Human Services. His nomination has drawn bipartisan concern, with critics questioning his potential impact on public health policies.

Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth Under Scrutiny

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense, faces renewed allegations of misconduct. Despite this, Trump has praised his military background and commitment to national security.

Stephen Miller Returns as Policy Advisor

Trump has brought back Stephen Miller, architect of some of his most controversial immigration policies, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor.

A Cabinet of Controversy and Change

Other notable picks include Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Linda McMahon as Education Secretary, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Trump’s team is poised to drive bold changes in domestic and foreign policy as he prepares to take office in 2025.

Stay tuned for further updates as Senate confirmation hearings approach and these key players prepare to shape the next administration.

Kenya Eyes UAE Loan Amid IMF Debt Warnings: What’s Next?

Kenya Eyes UAE Loan Amid IMF Debt Warnings: What's Next?

Kenya is gearing up to secure a Sh193 billion ($1.5 billion) loan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), raising questions about the country’s fiscal future as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautions against escalating debt risks.

Why Is Kenya Turning to the UAE?

The government, led by President William Ruto, views the loan as a vital lifeline to avert a looming budget crisis. Persistent revenue collection shortfalls by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have left the treasury scrambling for solutions.

Yet, this loan comes at a critical juncture: the IMF has been pressing Kenya to implement stricter borrowing limits and expand its tax base.

IMF’s Take

The IMF isn’t entirely against the UAE loan but emphasizes a cautious approach. According to IMF Mission Chief for Kenya, Haimanot Teferra, the loan’s terms could prove advantageous—if they are more favorable than Kenya’s current high-cost debt.

However, Teferra warns

“Borrowing at high rates to finance the budget could worsen the situation. Careful consideration of the loan terms and their impact on Kenya’s debt dynamics is crucial.”

The IMF’s concerns are part of a broader effort to push Kenya toward fiscal discipline. IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke is slated to visit the country in December to discuss debt mitigation strategies and revenue reforms with government officials.

What’s at Stake for Kenya?

With the loan expected in staggered disbursements, Kenya hopes to receive Sh91 billion ($700 million) early next year. But will this loan ease pressure on social programs like health and education, or will it deepen the debt hole?

Tax Woes: The Treasury has been struggling to introduce tax proposals that could generate Sh174 billion—far below the initial target of Sh346 billion. Strong opposition to tax hikes leaves their success in doubt.

Balancing Act: IMF representatives highlight the tough balancing act Kenya faces between funding urgent social needs and managing its swelling public debt.

What Are the Alternatives?

Should Kenya continue borrowing to finance its budget, or focus on reforms to expand the tax base and improve fiscal discipline? IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath puts it bluntly

What Are the Alternatives?

Should Kenya continue borrowing to finance its budget, or focus on reforms to expand the tax base and improve fiscal discipline? IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath puts it bluntly

“A credible fiscal consolidation strategy is essential to address debt vulnerabilities while safeguarding critical social and development spending.”

Your Voice Matters

What do you think about Kenya’s loan strategy? Could this move stabilize the economy or push it further into debt? How should the government balance social spending and debt management?

👉 Join the Conversation! Share your thoughts below. Let’s discuss the future of Kenya’s economy.

Why Ruto Cancelled Adani’s Airport and Energy Deals: A Story of Scandal, Pressure, and Politics

The Billionaire, the Bribery Scandal and A President’s Dilemma

Kenyan President William Ruto canceling multi-billion-shilling deals with India’s troubled Adani Group has caused political and business circles to sit up. What caused this dramatic change of events and what lies in the Kenyan future after it?

Mounting Opposition: From Clergy to the Street

Street protests and demonstrations against the unpopular agreements on airport construction and transmission of power line crossed the country for months while the ruling elite stood firm to support those projects. However, the shoe was on the other foot when the American authorities charged Gautam Adani and six directors of his company with having conducted a $2 billion bribery and fraud conspiracy.

Realizing that, he entered the world stage and ignored demands for reforms at home while containing dissent within the limits. Was it an act of political survival or is it truly fight against corruption?

Adani Under Fire: Fraud, Bribery and Its Consequences Across the World

Adani was charged by the U.S. Department of Justice of offering $250 million in bribes to win the rights to develop and sell solar energy to the nation, extensive fraud to investors and the broader public, as well as obstruction of justice. Adani rejected the charges, described as false.

The fallout was immediate: Adani shares tumbled and Kenyan authorities started doubting that the conglomerate would be capable of fulfilling its commitment.

Sacring Kenya’s National Assets

Even more problematic to outsiders were questions to Adani’s ability to finance the deal – only 30 percent of the needed amount was assured. Even more disturbing was the belief that some important assets such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport might be sad if Adani used it as security and later failed to service international debts.

“And it seems we did not have much confidence about how Adani would finance these projects. Continuing would have strengthened corruption perceptions,” observed the senior official.

The Breaking Point: What Video Convinced Ruto To React?

The indictment held out to Ruto the perfect chance to turn the deals in his favor, regain the public’s trust while at the same time wooing foreign collaborators.

When the president scrapped the deals, he achieved severing ties with a firm entangled in corruption allegations as well as stimulating resurfacing concerns of Kenyan people’s loss of sovereignty over crucial assets.

No Compensation? Kenya’s Legal Safeguards

Fortunately for Kenya the the deals were still at preliminary stages, the government is thus not likely to incur penalties in case of termination. The integrity clauses enabled Kenya to get out of the agreement without paying the Indian company for losses as envisaged by Adani.

Human suffering and political and public scandal

The cancellation has attracted political lenses with influential politicians accusing Adani of entering Kenya to enrich some political players.

Speaking to The Independent, Barrack Muluka, a political analyst, said: “Adani is just a sovereign guise.” But the back bone is in the government.”

However, Nelson Amenya who leaked such deals has turned into a national icon thanks to his cries for radical openness.

What’s Next for Kenya?

The demise of the schemes is a concern to Kenya’s public-private partnerships and has left a-banter regarding future investors scrutiny.

Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi, at first a defender of the projects, is now in the firing line. President Ruto has fired a warning shot at all persons involved in corruption by promising to crack the whip hard adding that the sovereignty of this country and its integrity are something that he will not negotiate for.

The photographic history and the statistics of each reformist educate the viewer with a global lesson on accountability.

The Adani crisis gets worse internationally and it has presented the reality and significance of risk assessment while forming partnerships with overseas counterpart. In Kenyan context, it is a sad ode to the fact that the public good cannot be a subsidiary of private gain.

What do you think that is a recent great move by President Ruto? Creative policy-making, or mere accommodation of the highest state official’s vision or political necessity? So let us know in the comments below!