Trump Vows to Escalate Global Tariffs to 15% After Supreme Court Strikes Down Emergency Powers: "I'm Allowed to Destroy Any Country in the World"

President Donald Trump sharply criticized a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on global imports, declaring the decision "ridiculous" and announcing an immediate escalation of a new across-the-board tariff from 10% to 15% as a workaround.

The Supreme Court's decision, issued on February 20, 2026, found that Trump overstepped his authority under an economic emergency law when levying higher rates on goods from various countries. The ruling marked a rare rebuke of the administration's trade policies, which Trump has championed as essential for protecting American industries and jobs.

In a White House briefing on February 21, Trump expressed frustration, arguing that the court allows him broad powers to disrupt international trade but prohibits even minimal financial charges. "I'm allowed to destroy any country in the world," Trump stated, emphasizing his ability to impose embargoes, cut off business dealings, or enact measures that could cripple foreign economies. "I can embargo. I can do anything I want, but I can't charge $1. It's ridiculous."

Trump elaborated that while he is permitted to "destroy trade and even the country" through severe sanctions or blockades, the ruling bars him from implementing what he described as a "foreign country destroying embargo" via tariffs. He called the justices' decision "incorrect" and "a disgrace," baselessly suggesting possible influence from "foreign interests."

The announcement of the tariff hike came less than 24 hours after Trump initially unveiled a 10% global tariff following the court's verdict. The new 15% rate, enacted via executive order, aims to circumvent the ruling by utilizing alternative legal avenues, though experts warn it may face congressional hurdles and further legal challenges.

Economists and trade analysts have raised concerns about the potential for increased economic uncertainty, higher costs for American consumers, and retaliatory measures from trading partners. The move has already sparked reactions from global markets, with some sectors anticipating disruptions in supply chains.

**President Donald Trump (excerpt from White House briefing):** "The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing. I’m allowed to cut off trade, impose embargoes, block countries from doing business with the U.S.—basically destroy any country in the world—but I can’t charge them even a small tariff? We’ll pursue very powerful alternatives allowed under the ruling."

The administration has indicated it will explore additional options to advance its "America First" trade agenda, including potential negotiations with Congress for broader authority. Critics, including Democratic leaders, have accused Trump of "tilting" and gambling with taxpayer dollars, while supporters praise the president's determination to protect domestic interests.

This development underscores ongoing tensions in U.S. trade policy and the limits of executive power, as the nation navigates a complex global economic landscape.

Hello Eco” Viral Claim Sparks Panic: No Plans to Scrap Naira in 2027, Fact-Checks Confirm

 A viral social media video claiming that Nigeria will abandon the **Naira** in 2027 and replace it with a single regional currency called the **Eco** has triggered widespread concern and misinformation online, but official sources and fact-checks have debunked the assertion that the national currency will cease to exist.

The video, featuring influencer **Flora the Digital Banker**, has circulated rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, with the phrase “Hello Eco” becoming a trending hook. In the clip, the creator states: “Are you aware that from 2027, there is not going to be a currency called Naira? It is going to be replaced by a currency called the Eco,” suggesting a full transition across 12 ECOWAS member states including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Cabo Verde.

The claim draws parallels to the Euro in the European Union and warns of potential economic shifts tied to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

However, multiple credible fact-checks and official statements clarify that no decision has been made to abolish or scrap the **Naira**. The **Eco** is a proposed single currency for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under discussion for years, with a targeted launch date of July 1, 2027, following meetings including one in Banjul, Gambia, in August 2025, and recent sessions in Monrovia, Liberia.

Key points from verified reports:

- The **Eco** project aims to promote regional trade, reduce transaction costs, and lessen dependence on foreign currencies like the US dollar.

- Implementation remains conditional on countries meeting strict macroeconomic convergence criteria, including inflation targets, fiscal discipline, and institutional frameworks.

- Nigeria’s Presidency, in a February 14, 2026, statement, confirmed ongoing technical preparations but emphasized a phased approach. The initial phase may involve select countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and The Gambia), potentially excluding the eight UEMOA nations still using the CFA franc.

- No official announcement from the Presidency, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), or ECOWAS indicates the **Naira** will be eliminated in 2027 or any specific date. The **Eco** is envisioned as a complement or long-term regional integration tool, not an immediate replacement.

Fact-checking outlets including TheCable Fact Check and Legit.ng have rated the viral claim as misleading or false in its absolute form, noting that while the **Eco** launch target persists, the complete scrapping of national currencies like the **Naira** is not confirmed and faces significant economic and political hurdles—particularly given Nigeria’s ongoing inflation challenges and naira volatility.

The viral spread has prompted calls for caution against unverified financial advice circulating online, with some users expressing fears of cash shortages or economic disruption reminiscent of past currency redesign exercises.

**Official Position (Nigeria Presidency, February 14, 2026):** “The first phase of implementation should concern Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea and The Gambia, subject to compliance with agreed macroeconomic convergence criteria and the finalization of institutional governance structures.”

As discussions continue among ECOWAS central bank governors, experts stress that any major currency transition would require extensive public sensitization, legislative approval, and phased rollout to avoid economic instability.

The **Naira** remains Nigeria’s official legal tender, and citizens are advised to rely on statements from the CBN, Presidency, or ECOWAS for accurate updates on the **Eco** initiative.

E-Money Unfollows Carter Efe on Instagram After Gifted Luxury Car Damaged in Livestream Clash with Peller

Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist **Emeka Okonkwo**, popularly known as **E-Money**, has unfollowed content creator and skit maker **Carter Efe** on Instagram following the viral incident where a brand-new car he gifted Carter Efe was damaged during a heated altercation with fellow streamer **Peller**.

The dramatic turn unfolded just days after E-Money surprised Carter Efe with a 2025 Toyota Corolla—reportedly valued at over ₦50-70 million—as part of his birthday generosity and support for emerging talents in the entertainment space. The gift was widely celebrated online, with Carter Efe expressing immense gratitude for the gesture from the Five Star Music boss.

However, a TikTok livestream captured the escalation between Carter Efe and Peller, where the dispute turned physical, leading both parties to smash each other's vehicle windshields with stones in a mutual act of vandalism. The car in question, bearing similarities to the newly gifted Toyota Corolla, sustained significant damage, including a shattered windshield, sparking immediate backlash and disappointment across social media.

Hours after the video went viral on Saturday, February 21, 2026, E-Money reportedly took swift action by unfollowing Carter Efe on Instagram. Verification by multiple outlets, including Legit.ng, confirmed that searching for Carter Efe's handle in E-Money's following list yielded no results, solidifying the unfollow as a clear expression of displeasure.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Controversial singer **Portable** publicly blasted Carter Efe, warning wealthy benefactors to be cautious about whom they assist, stating the event highlights ingratitude and recklessness. Many online users echoed similar sentiments, questioning why an expensive gift was used in such a chaotic content creation stunt.

Reports also indicate that E-Money has instructed Carter Efe to return the damaged vehicle for repairs, while Peller has publicly apologized for his role in the destruction. There are unconfirmed claims that both Carter Efe and Peller plan to visit E-Money's residence to offer a personal apology.

E-Money, known for his generosity toward artists, influencers, and the less privileged, has not issued an official statement on the matter. The unfollow has fueled widespread discussions about accountability, the responsibilities that come with receiving major gifts, and the line between entertainment and recklessness in Nigeria's vibrant social media scene.

**Key Details:**

- **Gift Date:** During E-Money's recent birthday celebrations.

- **Vehicle:** 2025 Toyota Corolla (estimated value ₦50-70 million).

- **Incident:** Windshield smashed in livestreamed clash with Peller.

- **Response:** E-Money unfollows Carter Efe on Instagram; demands return of car for repairs.

This development underscores the complexities of celebrity philanthropy and public accountability in the digital age, as the story continues to trend heavily on Nigerian social media platforms.

Police PRO Benjamin Hundeyin Counters Papaya Ex Assault Allegations: "She Refused Routine Search and Attempted to Evade Officers

The Nigeria Police Force, through Force Public Relations Officer ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, has issued a detailed response to claims of assault made by popular social media influencer and content creator Abike Raheem, known as **Papaya Ex**, following a late-night encounter with officers in the Ajah area of Lagos.

In a statement posted on his verified social media handle on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Hundeyin provided the police account of events, describing the incident as beginning "just before 2 a.m." when officers on routine night patrol stopped a vehicle carrying three men and two women—including Papaya Ex—for a standard vehicle search.

According to Hundeyin, the influencer "bluntly refused" the search, reportedly stating, “You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.” He alleged that she then instructed her driver to speed away, prompting officers to pursue and intercept the vehicle. An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) subsequently entered the SUV to address the situation, after which the live TikTok session began.

The statement emphasized that Papaya Ex's viral video and allegations focused on events after her alleged non-cooperation, omitting the preceding details that led to the escalation. Hundeyin noted that the Lagos State Police Command (@LagosPoliceNG) would handle further investigations and provide additional clarifications.

This response directly counters Papaya Ex's emotional TikTok live from the early hours of Saturday, where she displayed visible facial bruising and accused an officer of striking her face and breasts with a gun, inappropriately touching her, assaulting her driver, and seizing her phone. She claimed full cooperation with documents provided and denied resisting or boasting about her status, insisting she was simply returning from a movie shoot and focused on content creation for her YouTube channel (@papayaextv).

The conflicting narratives have fueled intense online debate, with supporters of Papaya Ex calling for justice and an independent probe into alleged police misconduct, while others question her version amid the police counter-claims. The incident has reignited broader discussions on stop-and-search practices, police conduct during nighttime operations, and accountability in Lagos.

**ACP Benjamin Hundeyin (from official statement):** “She bluntly refused, saying, ‘You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.’ ... Then the live began. @LagosPoliceNG will take it from here.”

The Lagos State Police Command has indicated that disciplinary measures could follow if any misconduct is substantiated, though no formal investigation outcome has been announced. Papaya Ex has continued to deny the police version in follow-up posts, urging the public not to believe falsehoods and reiterating her desire to focus on her creative work.

The matter remains under scrutiny as public reactions pour in across social media platforms, highlighting ongoing tensions between citizens and law enforcement in routine encounters.

Papaya Ex Cries Out Over Alleged Assault by Lagos Police Officers: "Look at My Face

Popular Nigerian social media influencer, actress, and content creator Abike Raheem, widely known as **Papaya Ex**, has publicly accused officers of the Lagos State Police Command of physical assault and harassment following a late-night encounter in the Ajah area.

In an emotional TikTok live session shared on Friday night, February 20, 2026, Papaya Ex appeared visibly distressed as she displayed visible injuries, including a prominent bruise and mark on her face. She recounted returning from a movie shoot when her vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint by patrol officers.

According to Papaya Ex, one officer allegedly struck her in the face with a gun, slapped her, hit her stomach, breasts, and buttocks, inappropriately touched her, assaulted her driver, and forcibly seized her mobile phone. She emphasized that her documents—including the driver's license and vehicle papers—were complete and handed over, yet the situation escalated into violence.

"Look at my face... He hit my face and breasts with a gun," she said tearfully during the live, urging the public to see the evidence of the alleged brutality. She further claimed the officer smelled of alcohol and described the incident as unwarranted harassment.

The influencer has since denied police counter-claims that she refused a routine vehicle search, boasted about her status ("Don't you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me"), or attempted to evade officers by speeding off. In follow-up statements, she insisted she cooperated fully and is "just trying to make movies" for her YouTube channel (@papayaextv), not fight the police.

"I’m not trying to fight the Nigerian police. Please stop lying against me," Papaya Ex posted, reiterating her desire to focus on content creation amid the controversy.

The Nigeria Police Force, through Force Public Relations Officer ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, has provided a differing account, stating the stop was part of a routine operation late at night. Authorities claimed the occupants, including Papaya Ex, failed to provide satisfactory identification initially and resisted the search, leading to the escalation. Police described her as refusing cooperation before an officer entered the vehicle, after which she allegedly instructed her driver to speed away, prompting interception.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with calls for justice, renewed discussions on #EndPoliceBrutality, and support from fellow influencers and celebrities. Some users have expressed skepticism, citing conflicting narratives, while others demand a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct.

Papaya Ex, known for her bold personality, skits, and growing presence in Nollywood-style content, has vowed to pursue the matter legally. She has shared that more victims have come forward with similar experiences involving the same officers.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct during stop-and-search operations in Lagos and across Nigeria, particularly for women and public figures.

**Papaya Ex (from TikTok live and social media posts):** "I just want to make movies and create content. This is not fair... Look at what they did to me."

The Lagos State Police Command has not issued further detailed updates as of this release, but the matter continues to trend on social media platforms.