Monday, 7 September 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Monday, 7 September 2026

Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—

Namibian press · Person

Donald Trump

Also known as: president Donald Trump · US President Donald Trump · President Trump · Donald J Trump · United States president Donald Trump · United States (US) president Donald Trump · Mr Trump · Trump regime · president-elect Donald Trump · the former US president · Republican Donald Trump

US President whose administration negotiates with Iran, imposes tariffs on trading partners, and pauses military strikes for diplomacy.

2018-04-132026-09-07

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

March 2026
31 MarThe Namibian
US President Donald Trump frequently refers to Field Marshal Asim Munir as his 'favourite' Field Marshal
Source
“The US leader frequently refers to him as his "favourite" Field Marshal and has previously spoken about how Munir knows Iran "better than most".”
How Pakistan won over Trump to become an unlikely mediator in the Iran war
30 MarNew Era
Donald Trump has yet to approve any deployment
Source
“The Washington Post reported the Pentagon was preparing plans for weeks of ground operations, potentially including raids on Kharg Island and sites near the Strait of Hormuz, though US President Donald Trump has yet to approve any deployment.”
Iran parliament speaker says US planning ground attack
30 MarThe Namibian
President Donald Trump warned of possible further American action against Kharg Island
Source
“US President Donald Trump has warned of possible further American action against a small island off the coast of Iran – home to a major oil terminal that is considered the country's economic lifeline.”
Why does the US have Iran's Kharg Island in its sights?
30 MarThe Namibian
Trump said he wanted to take Iran's oil and was considering seizing Kharg Island
Source
“In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump said he wants to "take" Iran's oil and was considering seizing Kharg Island.”
Why does the US have Iran's Kharg Island in its sights?
30 MarThe Namibian
Donald Trump told reporters he was not sending ground troops to Iran.
Source
“Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last week that he was not sending ground troops to Iran, but added: "If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you".”
Iran says its forces ‘waiting' as US troops arrive in region
30 MarThe Namibian
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sport
Source
“Trump issued an executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sport soon after he came to office.”
IOC reinstating gender tests ‘a disrespect for women' – Semenya
27 MarThe Namibian
Donald Trump is set to become first sitting US president with signature on US banknotes
Source
“Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting United States (US) president to have his signature on US banknotes, the treasury department has announced.”
Trump's signature to appear on US dollars in first for sitting president
27 MarThe Namibian
Donald Trump cut support from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief last January
Source
“USAID stopped funding Namibian NGOs after United States (US) president Donald Trump cut support from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) last January.”
Three new HIV cases per day
26 MarThe Namibian
Donald Trump announced talks with Tehran
Source
“Trump unexpectedly announced talks with Tehran.”
‘Liar!': Iranian media mock talks announced by Trump
24 MarNew Era
Donald Trump vowed to obliterate power plants in the Islamic Republic
Source
“Iran's military renewed its threats on Sunday against the region's infrastructure after US president Donald Trump vowed to "obliterate" power plants in the Islamic Republic if the Strait of Hormuz was not swiftly reopened.”
Water emerges as a dangerous new war target

World & Region

Kushner firm withdraws from Fifa World Cup investment plan

The News

Investor Joshua Kushner said his firm Thrive Capital "would not have gotten involved" in Fifa's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup for $20 billion if it had foreseen the backlash and political fallout within global football. Fifa Forward Enterprise, which would have raised $4.2 billion for poorer football nations, collapsed amid criticism from Uefa and others who called it a secretive deal benefiting investors.

1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

Kushner firm withdraws from Fifa World Cup investment plan
Investor Joshua Kushner said his firm Thrive Capital "would not have gotten involved" in Fifa's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup for $20 billion if it had foreseen the backlash and political fallout within global football. Fifa Forward Enterprise, which would have raised $4.2 billion for poorer football nations, collapsed amid criticism from Uefa and others who called it a secretive deal benefiting investors.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 31 August

Namibia rejects US health data-sharing deal over privacy concerns
Namibia's government has rejected a US proposal for health data and specimen-sharing worth over N$145 million per year for HIV and tuberculosis programmes, citing sovereignty and privacy violations. The US withdrew the biological specimen component in November 2025, though data-sharing negotiations continue.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 30 August

Namibia, US race to finalise HIV funding negotiations
Namibia and the US are negotiating new health sector funding to determine the future of HIV financing in the country, with negotiations intensifying since US President Donald Trump's return to power and the dismantling of USAID. The talks are contentious over data-sharing provisions, with recipient countries concerned that deals tie health aid to data access and critical minerals, though a US government source claims negotiations do not include sharing of personally identifiable data.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 27 August

US envoy calls for focus on wildlife trafficking networks
US Ambassador John Giordano, following a three-day field mission in Namibia, urged stronger law-enforcement focus on transnational criminal networks behind rhino poaching, arguing efforts must extend beyond arresting poachers to identifying traffickers, following money flows, and disrupting overseas markets.
27 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 21 August

Trump threatens economic sanctions on Iran-trading countries
US President Donald Trump has vowed an "economic D-Day" targeting any country that does business with Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that nations engaging in financial transfers, oil purchases, or maritime transactions with Iran will face "tremendous" economic consequences. Vice-President JD Vance characterised the sanctions as a new phase of conflict in which economic pressure is the most effective tool available.
21 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 18 August

US delegation explores deeper energy and minerals partnership with Namibia
A US delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano, including officials from the State Department's energy and trade agencies, held high-level meetings with Namibian government officials and industry leaders to expand cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The delegation also represented the US at the Namibian Mining Expo and met with the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy to discuss opportunities in these sectors.
18 August 2026 · Informanté →
US offers technical expertise and capital to support Namibia's oil development
The US ambassador says American companies and technology firms are providing expertise to help Namibia develop its oil resources, and the US is engaged in supporting infrastructure corridors including upgrades to Walvis Bay to connect Namibia's energy resources to global markets.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 17 August

Trump says US will reduce military drills with South Korea
President Trump announced the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and noting South Korea declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. Trump said the drills are costly and send an inappropriate signal, though Seoul said the scheduled exercises would proceed as planned.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 7 August

Trump denies US munitions shortage, vows prosecution of leakers
President Donald Trump denied reports of a US munitions shortage, stating the country has "massive amounts" and is manufacturing more, while vowing "long term jail sentences" for those suspected of leaking information. Iran's Defence Minister responded by asserting the country's indigenous weapons technology is superior and that Iran is equipped to respond to any threat.
7 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 6 August

Iran claims near-final deal with Oman on Strait shipping
Iran says it has reached an agreement with Oman on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, though details remain undisclosed. The Iranian foreign ministry cautioned that a deal would not guarantee safe passage, citing the US blockade of Iranian ports as a security threat.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 4 August

Fifa president Infantino faces pressure after investor plan fails
Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who rode high after overseeing the successful 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams, now faces his position under threat following the collapse of a private investor plan.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
US states challenge Trump tariffs on sixty trading partners
Twenty-five US states have sued the Trump administration over tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, and the European Union, imposed in July citing forced labour concerns. The coalition of Democratic states argues the tariffs are "arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law," while the White House defends the duties as lawful action against unreasonable trade practices.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 3 August

Bomb kills three at Moscow Italian restaurant; Ukraine blamed
A bomb detonated outside the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow on Saturday night, killing at least three people and injuring 21. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee reports a woman with an improvised explosive device was prevented from entering by a security guard; the device detonated moments later. The Russian Embassy in Italy has blamed the attack on Ukraine, though unconfirmed reports suggest a senior Russian military commander may have been at a private dinner inside.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Trump says Iran talks to begin Monday after halting strikes
US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday after he called off what he described as "massive" strikes. Trump said Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar had urged him to hold off, believing a deal was possible on issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 2 August

Namibian public relations officers fail at basic communication
An opinion piece criticizes Namibian government spokespersons and public relations officers for institutional silence and poor communication, despite the industry gathering at a communications conference in Swakopmund under Vice President Lucia Witbooi, arguing they treat public enquiries as secrets and emerge defensively only when scandals force them into the open.
2 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 30 July

US retaliates against Iran with heavy strikes on military targets
The US military launched "heavy" strikes against Iran on Wednesday in retaliation for Iran's ballistic missile attacks on American forces in the region, hitting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets. The latest hostilities follow previous joint US-Saudi strikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq and come amid reports of Saudi Arabia seeking de-escalation.
30 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifa president defends World Cup commercialisation proposal
Fifa president Gianni Infantino defended a proposal to create a private subsidiary to exploit World Cup commercial benefits, calling it "an opportunity but not an obligation" and saying it would unlock previously uncaptured value to benefit member associations, though the proposal sparked global outrage after being revealed.
30 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 July

Namibia excluded from US forced-labour trade investigation list
Namibia was not included among 60 economies investigated by the United States over concerns about forced labour in imports, according to a US presidential memorandum issued on 23 July. The exclusion means Namibia faces neither the proposed 12.5% ad valorem tariff nor the lower 10% tariff rate that apply to investigated nations.
28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 27 July

US ambassador says Trump paused Iran attacks for diplomacy
US ambassador Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Trump has paused attacks on Iran for a second consecutive night to give diplomacy more space, following nearly two weeks of daily strikes and tit-for-tat attacks. An Iranian army spokesperson said Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, though Waltz said the president is keeping all options on the table.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 July

Houthi attacks in Red Sea threaten maritime trade and escalate Middle East tensions
Yemen's Houthi fighters have attacked shipping in the Red Sea, forcing vessels to divert from the narrow Bab El Mandeb strait that connects Europe to Asia. The attacks occur amid ongoing US-Iran strikes and fears of a broader regional conflict, with two Saudi vessels hit by missiles this week and the Houthis claiming to have turned back ten others.
24 July 2026 · The Namibian →
US imposes tariffs on 60 trading partners for forced labour failures
The US has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, the EU, Canada, Japan and India, citing claims they failed to properly stop forced labour. The duties came into effect on Friday and represent the latest escalation in the trade war under President Donald Trump.
24 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 July

Spain wins World Cup, defeats Argentina 1-0 in final
Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring an extra-time winner in the 106th minute. The victory ended Lionel Messi's hopes for a triumphant farewell to international football.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 July

World Cup ends with excitement despite pre-tournament challenges
Fifa declares the expanded 48-team World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada a triumph, marked by thrilling football and strong performances from smaller nations including Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Egypt, who reached knockout rounds in record numbers.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 July

Argentina bid to defend World Cup title against Spain
Spain and Argentina face off in a World Cup final on Sunday, with reigning champions Argentina seeking to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend the title, while Messi, aged 39, is likely playing his final World Cup match.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Trump claims China interfered in US 2020 election
US President Donald Trump alleged in a primetime White House address that China interfered in the 2020 election and accessed voter data in 18 states, though the US intelligence community has previously concluded China did not interfere in that election and Trump presented no evidence of data misuse.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Trump claims Chinese interference in US elections without evidence
US President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address alleging "shocking vulnerabilities" in American voting systems and accusing China of interfering in the 2020 election and acquiring voter data from 18 states. The US intelligence community has previously concluded China did not interfere in the 2020 election, and Trump did not present evidence that China used the information to alter voting systems or influence outcomes.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 July

US judge voids Trump's $1.8bn IRS settlement immunity deal
A US District Judge has voided a legal agreement between President Donald Trump and federal agencies that granted him immunity from tax audits and created a $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation" fund. The judge ruled the underlying lawsuit was filed for an improper purpose and referred a Trump lawyer to state authorities over potential ethics violations.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Trump policy lets 7,727 South African refugees into US
The United States admitted 7,727 people as refugees over several months, nearly all from South Africa, under a Trump administration policy, while immigrants from other countries already legally in America have struggled to obtain work authorization and other benefits.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 July

US and Iran escalate military strikes amid Strait of Hormuz dispute
The US launched fresh attacks on Iranian military targets on Sunday, killing one person and injuring four according to Iranian state media. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, while the two countries dispute control of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of their June interim agreement.
13 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 July

Lobito Corridor railway project focuses on DRC mineral exports
The Lobito Corridor railway, linking mineral-rich DRC regions to Angola's port, is a key development focus for Angola, DRC, Zambia and partners including the US, which committed US$200 billion for infrastructure and pledged to mobilise an additional US$600 billion. The DRC's untapped mineral deposits are valued at over US$24 trillion.
12 July 2026 · The Namibian →