USA
Musk's inauguration role cements place in Trump's orbit
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has long been fixated on getting humans to Mars. On Monday, that vision received a strong endorsement from the newly inaugurated president, reports AP.
In his inaugural address, President Donald Trump vowed to “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts who plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” Musk, standing nearby, grinned broadly and celebrated enthusiastically.
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This moment highlighted the unconventional alliance between Musk, the billionaire tech mogul with lucrative federal contracts, and Trump, whose partnership was prominently showcased throughout the day's events.
Musk publicly praised Trump at a rally following the inauguration, echoing the president's promise of an impending "golden age" for the nation.
“It is thanks to you that the future of civilisation is assured,” Musk told the crowd at Capital One Arena.
On X, Musk expressed his support for Trump’s return to office with a post reading: “The Return of the King.”
During the Capitol Rotunda ceremony, Musk was seated prominently among other tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, behind Trump’s family but closest to the president. At one point, Trump’s youngest son, Barron, greeted Musk with a handshake, a moment visible in televised coverage.
Musk's alignment with Trump follows his significant financial backing of America PAC, contributing approximately $200 million to the pro-Trump organisation during last year's campaign.
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The inclusion of numerous billionaires in Trump’s administration has sparked criticism, with former President Joe Biden warning of an emerging oligarchy dominated by tech moguls.
Trump has tasked Musk with collaborating on a project called the Department of Government Efficiency, working alongside former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The initiative, which operates outside formal government structures, aims to drastically reduce federal bureaucracy, regulations, and spending. Musk previously set a $2 trillion target for these cuts, though he has since acknowledged that achieving such a figure may be unrealistic.
“If you aim for $2 trillion, I think we can at least get to $1 trillion,” Musk said during a Q&A session on X with pollster Mark Penn.
Since the election, Musk has frequented Trump’s Florida resort and participated in meetings with potential Cabinet members and global leaders.
However, Musk's relationship with some of Trump's allies has been less harmonious. Steve Bannon, a conservative podcaster and former campaign adviser, has criticised Musk’s support for immigration visa programmes, which he claims conflict with Trump’s “America First” agenda. In a recent interview, Bannon declared his intent to challenge Musk’s influence, stating, “We’ll have Elon Musk run out of here.”
Additionally, Musk faced backlash from Republican lawmakers after his platform, X, played a role in derailing a bipartisan government funding proposal last month. His dissemination of false claims on X, which has faced criticism for abandoning misinformation safeguards, has raised concerns about its potential to sway public opinion, particularly given Musk's ties to the Trump administration.
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At the rally, Musk expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s second term, declaring, “Man, I can’t wait. This is going to be fantastic.”
2 weeks ago
Chinese VP Han Zheng to attend Trump inauguration
Vice President Han Zheng, who will represent China at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, is a key adviser to President Xi Jinping. Han, a seasoned figure in Chinese politics, rose from humble beginnings working on a collective farm and in factories to becoming one of the country’s most influential leaders, reports AP.
China’s choice to send Han instead of its usual ambassador to Washington seems to be a deliberate message, indicating its openness to improving ties with the U.S., while ensuring Xi remains insulated from potential criticism if relations deteriorate.
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A number of contentious issues between the two countries involve trade, with Trump threatening high tariffs on Chinese imports. Relations have also been strained over technology and China’s assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Like many young Chinese, Han was sent to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution as part of Mao Zedong’s “learn from the peasants” campaign. Upon returning to the cities, many found work in state-run industries.
At 70, Han advanced through the ranks in Shanghai during the 1980s and 1990s, a period when China’s economy was rapidly growing. He held both Communist Party and managerial roles in the chemical and rubber industries, eventually catching the attention of senior leaders. His career trajectory led him to district-level governance, then mayor of the city, and later party secretary, after his predecessor was involved in a financial scandal. Xi had briefly held this position, providing Han with an opportunity to build a connection with him before Xi assumed China’s leadership.
In 2017, Han reached the pinnacle of Chinese political power by joining the Politburo Standing Committee, and after one five-year term, he was appointed vice president, a role Xi has enhanced with new responsibilities as a key adviser and envoy.
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Throughout his career, Han has displayed a talent for diplomacy, particularly in handling unrest in Hong Kong and attending international events such as the United Nations General Assembly.
On Sunday, Han met U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and business leaders, including Elon Musk, in Washington, just ahead of the inauguration.
3 weeks ago
Biden’s semiconductor law to boost US chip output at high cost, says report
A sweeping 2022 law, touted by President Joe Biden as a way to revive US manufacturing of semiconductors and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign-made computer chips, will “sharply increase production’’ of semiconductors in the United States.
But it will do so at a high cost and might not deliver the best bang for the buck, concludes a report out Wednesday by an economic think tank in Washington.
Researchers at the Peterson Institute for International Economics calculated that the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act will create about 93,000 construction jobs as chip factories go up in the United States and 43,000 permanent jobs once they’re in operation.
However, the government subsidies behind the expected chip manufacturing boom mean that each job created will cost taxpayers about $185,000 a year – twice the average annual salary of US semiconductor employees, the Peterson report found.
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“More production might not provide the best security for the money,’’ wrote researchers Gary Hufbauer and Megan Hogan.
The Peterson reports notes that in passing the CHIPS Act Congress “did not consider alternative ways’’ of spending billions of dollars to ensure the US had adequate chip supplies. Other options could have included creating a chip stockpile run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or providing financial incentives for US chip users and foreign chip producers to keep bigger inventories of semiconductors in the United States.
Biden touted and Congress passed the CHIPS Act after semiconductor supplies ran short following COVID-19 lockdowns. The shortages disrupted production of automobiles and other products.
The Biden administration also viewed ramping up made-in-America chip production as a national security issue because it would reduce US reliance on foreign imports of chips, which are used by the military as well as private companies.
A study by the Boston Consulting Group and the Semiconductor Industry Association has found that America’s share of world chip production capacity, measured by volume and not dollar value, fell from 37% in 1990 to just 10% in 2022.
Policymakers are alarmed that US industry depends heavily on chips manufactured in Taiwan, a supply that could be threatened if China launches military strikes intended to force the autonomous island to reunite politically with the Chinese mainland.
The giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which supplies chips to Apple and Qualcomm, among others, is investing heavily in chip plants in Arizona.
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The CHIPS Act also aims to boost the US share of the world's advanced chips to 20% by 2030 from none today. But the Peterson report argued that such a leap would require additional government subsidies and overcoming shortages of skilled labor and electricity. It also noted that South Korea and Taiwan are offering their own chipmaking giants generous tax credits to protect their lead in the market. Asking whether the US can meet that 20% goal, the Peterson researchers conclude: "Maybe.''
It’s unclear whether the incoming Trump administration will scrap or make changes to the CHIPS Act. During the election campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had argued that tariffs on foreign chips – not subsidies to encourage US production – would have done more to bring semiconductor plants to the United States.
But the Peterson researchers noted that in the past European Union tariffs had failed to revive chip production in Europe. “There is no compelling reason why a comparable tariff would prove more successful for the United States,’’ they wrote.
3 weeks ago
Who is Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the New Orleans truck attack suspect?
The suspect involved in the car-ramming attack in New Orleans has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US military veteran from Texas.
According to the FBI, Jabbar deliberately drove a pick-up truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring many others.
The suspect was killed in a subsequent police shootout. The FBI is investigating the attack as a potential act of “terrorism” but has not specified the evidence behind this classification. Authorities believe that Jabbar may not have acted alone in the attack on this popular tourist destination.
Jabbar, a US citizen, rented the F-150 Lightning electric truck used in the attack through the car rental website Turo.
This website was also connected to another incident in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump hotel, though it remains unclear whether the two incidents are linked.
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Jabbar served in the US military from 2007 until 2020 and had a deployment to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.
He earned a degree in computer information systems from Georgia State University in 2017. The FBI discovered an ISIL (ISIS) flag inside the truck, prompting an investigation into any potential links between Jabbar and terrorist organisations.
New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno stated that Jabbar was wearing full military gear, and police described his actions as intentional.
Court records show Jabbar had financial troubles in 2022, including falling behind on house payments by $27,000 and accumulating $16,000 in credit card debt, while going through a divorce. He expressed a desire to quickly finalise the divorce and avoid foreclosure.
Jabbar had worked for consulting firm Deloitte, earning around $10,000 a month. The company confirmed that he served in a staff-level role since being hired in 2021 and is cooperating with authorities.
Colin Clarke from the Soufan Center remarked, “There’s a number of red flags when you look at this [attack], including the attacker’s age – not really the kind of prototype for an individual to be radicalised. The fact that he was in the US military, so I think it bears caution for sure.”
Source: With inputs from Al Jazeera
1 month ago
Trump brings chaos back to Washington by attempting to kill bipartisan budget deal with Musk's help
President-elect Donald Trump effectively derailed bipartisan budget negotiations on Wednesday, rejecting the proposed legislation and accusing it of favoring Democrats. Billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally, played a key role in stirring opposition through social media, rallying Republican lawmakers and constituents against the bill.
In a joint statement with Vice President-elect JD Vance, Trump dismissed the measure and called for renewed negotiations. Musk, who is set to co-lead a task force on government efficiency with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, launched a social media campaign against the bill, labeling it an example of overspending. On his platform X, Musk threatened to support primary challenges against any lawmaker backing the legislation. Trump echoed the sentiment, amplifying Musk’s rallying cry, “Stop the steal of your tax dollars!”
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The budget deal’s collapse highlights Musk’s growing political clout. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky reported an influx of calls from constituents influenced by Musk’s posts, stating, “The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk.”
Trump and Vance urged Republicans to tie the debt ceiling extension to the budget deal, arguing it was better addressed while President Joe Biden is still in office. “Let’s settle this debate now rather than during our administration,” they said.
The setback created uncertainty for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who negotiated the bill and faces a re-election challenge as Speaker. The slim Republican majority in the House increases the risk of renewed leadership disputes.
Lawmakers were blindsided by Trump’s opposition, with many attending year-end celebrations when the announcement was made. Senior Republican appropriator Rep. Steve Womack commented, “Nothing surprises me anymore.”
The Biden administration criticized Republicans for jeopardizing the bipartisan deal, warning of the potential harm to Americans. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged Republicans to prioritize stability over politics.
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While Musk’s involvement thrilled some, like Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina, others expressed concern about his lack of political experience. Grover Norquist, a veteran of budget battles, praised Musk’s influence but questioned his expertise in legislative matters, saying, “He doesn’t know politics like he knows physics.”
Despite Musk amplifying some false claims about the bill, such as an alleged $3 billion allocation for a football stadium, he declared victory after the budget deal’s rejection, calling it “a good day for America.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned Republicans of the consequences of abandoning the agreement, stating, “You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences.”
1 month ago
US reaffirms support for Rohingya amid concern over Myanmar
Expressing concern over the situation in Myanmar, the United States has said helping resolve Rohingya refugee crisis remains a priority for them.
"So we are following this development closely. We’re remained concerned by the conflict and its potential to undermine regional stability and security," Spokesperson at US Department of State Matthew Miller said during a regular media briefing in Washington on December 17.
He made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know how the US is assessing the situation and the fate of the Rohingya refugees, noting that the Arakan Army has taken control of the Rakhine state.
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The people and government of Bangladesh have shown generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees who have fled persecution in Myanmar, Miller said.
"We will continue to work with Bangladesh to support Rohingya and members of other vulnerable communities from Burma (Myanmar) who have taken refuge there," he said.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
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1 month ago
Biden grants clemency to over 1,500 individuals in historic single-day action
President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals who were released from prison during the COVID-19 pandemic and placed on home confinement. Additionally, he issued pardons to 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern US history.
The commutations apply to individuals who have spent at least one year in home confinement since their release, a measure initially taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 in overcrowded prisons.
Biden stated his administration is committed to granting mercy to those who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation. “America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said, emphasizing his focus on addressing sentencing disparities, particularly for nonviolent drug offenses.
The clemency recipients include individuals who have significantly contributed to society since their convictions. Among them are a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a decorated veteran, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a church deacon working as an addiction and youth counselor.
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Biden's action builds on his prior grants of clemency, including 122 commutations and 21 pardons. He has also pardoned individuals convicted of marijuana possession and former service members penalized under now-repealed military laws against consensual same-sex relations.
Advocacy groups are urging Biden to extend clemency to others, including federal death row inmates. Attorney General Merrick Garland had paused federal executions, aligning with Biden’s 2020 campaign pledge to end the death penalty—a promise yet to be fulfilled. With Trump set to return to office, advocates fear the resumption of federal executions, a hallmark of his previous term.
Lawmakers have also called for clemency for Steven Donziger, a lawyer who represented Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against Chevron and was imprisoned for contempt of court.
Thursday’s pardons come as Biden faces pressure to issue additional clemency measures before leaving office on January 20. Some have speculated he may consider preemptive pardons for individuals involved in investigations of Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, though Biden is reportedly cautious about the precedent this would set.
Biden defended his decision to pardon his son, Hunter, for gun and tax crimes, citing political bias in the prosecution. He has been encouraged to extend similar considerations to others deserving of a second chance.
Presidents traditionally grant clemency at the end of their terms, using this power to offer relief to individuals and address systemic inequities. Biden has pledged further action in the coming weeks.
Source: With inputs from wires
1 month ago
Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Kari Lake, a vocal supporter and former Arizona gubernatorial and Senate candidate, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA). The congressionally funded broadcaster is tasked with delivering impartial news to global audiences.
Lake, a former Phoenix TV news anchor who left her role in 2021 after controversies surrounding her social media posts and COVID-19 misinformation, emerged as a prominent political figure. Known for her sharp criticisms of mainstream media and alignment with Trump’s rhetoric, she gained national attention despite unsuccessful bids for public office.
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Trump announced that Lake would collaborate closely with the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, to promote “American values of Freedom and Liberty” worldwide. He emphasized Lake’s role in ensuring fair and accurate broadcasting, contrasting it with what he has previously labeled as “fake news.”
VOA, established during World War II, has faced criticism from Trump in the past, including accusations of bias and unfavorable reporting on the U.S. Trump’s remarks particularly targeted VOA's coverage of the early COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China, which the White House criticized during his first term.
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Lake has been unwavering in her support for Trump, including promoting unfounded claims of election fraud. Despite losing her Arizona gubernatorial bid and more recently her Senate race, Lake’s loyalty has kept her in Trump’s favor. She has written about her political journey and legal challenges in her book, Unafraid: Just Getting Started.
In related announcements, Trump named Leandro Rizzuto as ambassador to the Organization of American States, Dan Newlin as ambassador to Colombia, and Peter Lamelas as ambassador to Argentina. All appointees are notable Trump supporters or significant Republican donors.
1 month ago
Bitcoin tops $100,000 as big rally sparked by Trump election win rolls on
Bitcoin has surpassed the $100,000 milestone as its value continues to surge, spurred by the election of Donald Trump and his crypto-friendly policies. This development follows Trump’s announcement of plans to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling a shift toward lighter regulation in the industry.
The cryptocurrency’s meteoric rise began on Election Day, climbing from $69,374 to a peak of $103,713, according to CoinDesk data. This rally comes just two years after Bitcoin plummeted below $17,000 following the collapse of the FTX exchange. However, its sustainability at the $100,000 mark remains uncertain, as the price briefly dipped to under $102,000 on Thursday.
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Cryptocurrency Basics
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that operate on decentralized networks, typically without backing from governments or banks. Bitcoin, the first and largest cryptocurrency, is recorded on a blockchain and is known for its high volatility. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin have also gained popularity, though traditional fiat currencies dominate daily transactions.
Factors Behind Bitcoin’s Surge
Trump’s election win has played a significant role in Bitcoin’s recent performance. The President-elect has pledged to make the U.S. a global hub for cryptocurrency and establish a “strategic reserve” of Bitcoin. His campaign embraced cryptocurrency donations, and he has launched a family venture for crypto trading.
The crypto community has welcomed Trump’s victory, anticipating regulatory reforms that could bring legitimacy while reducing red tape. His choice of Paul Atkins, known for opposing heavy market regulation, to lead the SEC aligns with these expectations. This marks a departure from the outgoing SEC chair Gary Gensler’s stricter regulatory approach, which faced criticism from industry stakeholders despite approving spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier this year.
Risks and Challenges
Cryptocurrency remains a high-risk investment due to its volatility. Bitcoin's history includes dramatic price swings, such as its rise to nearly $69,000 in 2021 before crashing below $17,000 amid rate hikes and the FTX collapse. While investor interest has rebounded, experts urge caution, particularly for those with limited resources. The anticipated lighter regulations under Trump may also reduce protective measures.
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Environmental Concerns
Bitcoin mining is energy-intensive and has drawn criticism for its environmental impact. Research indicates that mining emissions in 2020-2021 equaled those from burning 84 billion pounds of coal. While the industry has gradually shifted toward cleaner energy, fossil fuels still dominate its electricity supply.
The future of Bitcoin remains uncertain, with potential for further gains or losses, but its recent surge highlights the growing influence of political and regulatory factors on the crypto market.
2 months ago
People in Bangladesh detention need appropriate representation: US
The United States has laid emphasis on ensuring appropriate representation for those who are in detention in Bangladesh, treating them in line with basic fundamental freedoms and human rights.
“We continue to stress and emphasise that even those who are in detention need to be afforded appropriate representation and need to be treated with basic fundamental freedoms and human rights,” said Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel during a regular briefing in Washington on December 3.
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Patel said they are “consistent” with every government in which they have a relationship with and they are clear that there needs to be the respect of fundamental freedoms; respect of religious freedom and basic human rights.
“Any kind of protests should be and need to be peaceful, and that any kind of crackdown – not even crackdown – that governments need to respect the rule of law, they need to respect basic human rights as part of that. And that’s something we’ll continue to emphasise,” the US Department of Statement quoted Patel as saying.
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2 months ago