**Trump's Actions Hold the World Hostage** As the world's top economies meet this week, the impact of US President Donald Trump's actions looms large. The global economic landscape has been severely disrupted, and the consequences are far-reaching. The US-Israeli assault on Iran has sent oil prices soaring, from about ₦23,000 per barrel before tensions escalated to over ₦37,000 per barrel. This price hike has a ripple effect on petrol and diesel prices, making it harder for Nigerians to afford these essential commodities. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has also disrupted the supply and pricing of refined products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), fertilizers, metals, and other commodities. The aviation industry in the region, which includes major hubs in Dubai and Doha, has ground to a halt, affecting cargo and passenger traffic. The world's top central banks, including the US Federal Reserve Board, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England, will meet this week to discuss the implications of the oil shock on their respective economies. The key meeting will be the Fed's, as its signals on interest rates will have significant implications for the US economy and global financial markets. The damage to the US economy since Trump's return to the White House has been largely self-inflicted, with the country's economic woes having a ripple effect on the rest of the world. The question on everyone's mind is: what's next? Will the central banks take decisive action to mitigate the effects of the oil shock, or will they sit back and watch as the global economy teeters on the brink of a recession? As the world waits with bated breath, one thing is certain: Trump's actions have put the world on high alert.