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Elon Musk told a far-right rally in Germany that the nation&#8217;s citizens should take pride in their heritage and let go of the guilt associated with Germany&#8217;s fascist past.
What Happened: On Saturday Musk made a surprise appearance at a rally for Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. He addressed the rally via video, four weeks ahead of the country&#8217;s elections.
Musk, who has been publicly supporting the party for weeks, used his social media platform X to circulate the video.
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&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1883184095402004708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The video features Musk urging&nbsp;German voters and AfD supporters&nbsp;to disregard the European Union, shun multiculturalism, and take pride in their country. 
He was quoted as saying, &#8220;I think there is too much focus on past guilt [in Germany], and we need to move beyond that. Children should not feel guilty for the sins of their parents – their great-grandparents even.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43074232/elon-musk-sparks-controversy-with-hard-right-make-europe-great-again-post">Elon Musk Sparks Controversy With Hard-Right &#8216;Make Europe Great Again!&#8217; Post</a>
Musk&#8217;s comments came shortly after he was accused of making a fascist salute at a Washington event following President Donald Trump&#8216;s second inauguration.
Musk suggested that voters should opt for &#8220;self-determination for Germany&#8221; and less influence &#8220;from Brussels.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s remarks have stirred controversy, given the historical context of Germany&#8217;s past. His support for the far-right AfD party and his call for Germans to discard guilt over their ancestors&#8217; actions have raised eyebrows. 
The AfD party is known for its nationalist and anti-immigration stance, and Musk&#8217;s endorsement could potentially influence the upcoming elections. 
Furthermore, his comments on the European Union and multiculturalism could have implications for Germany&#8217;s international relations and internal social dynamics.
Musk&#8217;s statements carry significant weight and could potentially impact his businesses&#8217; operations in Germany and the European Union. The reactions to his remarks, both domestically and internationally, will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42732904/elon-musk-blasted-as-intrusive-and-presumptuous-for-trying-to-influence-german-elections-toward-far-right-party">Elon Musk Blasted As &#8216;Intrusive And Presumptuous&#8217; For &#8216;Trying To Influence&#8217; German Elections Toward Far-Right Party</a>
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Politics

TSLA

Elon Musk's Shocking Remarks To Far-Right German Party: 'Too Much Focus on Past Guilt'

As the weekend wraps up, we&#8217;ve seen a flurry of activity in the tech sector. From leadership changes at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) to skyrocketing shares at Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>), and the unveiling of a new AI agent by OpenAI, there&#8217;s plenty to catch up on. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Apple Reinforces Siri with Veteran Kim Vorrath
Apple has made a significant move to bolster its AI and Siri capabilities. The tech giant has tapped Kim Vorrath, a seasoned executive with a rich history at Apple, to take a senior leadership role in its AI and machine learning division. Vorrath, who was instrumental in the launch of Vision Pro software, will now collaborate closely with AI chief John Giannandrea. This move underscores Apple&#8217;s commitment to enhancing its AI development.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43215468/apple-shakes-up-ai-division-taps-veteran-kim-vorrath-to-bolster-siri">Read the full article here.</a>
Rigetti Computing Shares Soar on Project Stargate Announcement
Rigetti Computing saw its shares surge by 42% following President Donald Trump&#8217;s announcement of a new $500 billion AI investment initiative, Project Stargate. The project has secured $100 billion for immediate investment from backers including Oracle Corp., OpenAI, Nvidia, and SoftBank Capital, with an additional $400 billion expected over the next four years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43196106/rigetti-computing-quantum-stargate">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI Unveils &#8216;Operator&#8217; AI Agent Amid Early Glitches
OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has released a &#8220;research preview&#8221; of a new AI agent named &#8220;Operator.&#8221; The agent, designed to autonomously perform web tasks, is initially available in the U.S. for subscribers of OpenAI's $200 per month ChatGPT Pro tier. Despite some early errors, the company is working on quick fixes. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43186741/openai-debuts-operator-ai-agent-that-performs-web-tasks-but-early-error-has-sam-altman-scrambling-for-a-quick-fix">Read the full article here.</a>
Elon Musk Questions Project Stargate&#8217;s Funding
Shortly after the announcement of the ambitious $500 billion Project Stargate, Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk cast doubt on the project&#8217;s funding. Musk claimed that lead investor SoftBank Group has "well under $10B secured," contradicting the project&#8217;s grand unveiling at a White House briefing.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43121798/elon-musk-says-project-stargate-doesnt-actually-have-the-money-after-trump-announces-500-billion-ai-investment-led-by-softbank-oracle-and-openai">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI&#8217;s Sam Altman Expresses Support for Trump
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly voiced his support for President Donald Trump, a surprising shift given his previous praise for LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman&#8217;s efforts to prevent Trump&#8217;s re-election. Altman confessed that his views on Trump have evolved and that he regrets not thinking more critically about the president in the past.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43153571/openais-sam-altman-flip-flops-on-trump-as-500-billion-stargate-ai-project-is-announced-years-after-praising-reid-hoffman-for-stopping-his-re-election">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43215315/wedbush-hikes-target-price-on-oklo-to-45-on-hopes-of-ai-raising-power-demand">Sam Altman-Backed Oklo Stock Gets Price Target Hike From Wedbush On Hopes Of AI Raising Power Demand</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Tech

AAPL

RGTI

Elon Musk Questions Stargate Funding, Sam Altman's Flip Flop On Trump, OpenAI's Operator: This Week In AI

These twelve large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>) stock rose 30.62%. HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Mitchell Kapoor reiterated the company with a Buy and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/smmt/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> maintained a $44 price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) shares surged 23.21% after the company announced launch support for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43170776" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firefly Aerospace&#8217;s Blue Ghost Million 1</a>.</li>
<li>Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) stock increased 22.66% after the company announced it was awarded a tender to supply its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in the European Union,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43196950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Norway and North Macedonia</a>.</li>
<li>Twilio Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWLO#NYSE">TWLO</a>) shares were up 18.84% after the company issued fourth-quarter earnings guidance above estimates and a year-over-year revenue increase. Multiple analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43194564" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBKR#NASDAQ">IBKR</a>) stock upped 16.38% after the company reported better-than-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43132552" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected fourth-quarter results</a>.</li>
<li>Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) shares gained 16.05% last week following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43114866" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected Q4 financial results</a>. Multiple analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NFLX/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised their price forecasts</a> following the report.</li>
<li>Oracle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) shares upped 15.08% last week after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43122667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced generative AI</a> and intelligent agents to revolutionize Oracle Fusion cloud sales and customer processes.</li>
<li>Ciena Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIEN#NYSE">CIEN</a>) shares rose 14.97%.</li>
<li>JD.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) stock gained 14.96% last week after Trump skipped China&#8217;s tariff threats. China&#8217;s stock also got a boost amid its efforts to get insurers to invest in stocks and support markets.</li>
<li>Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWRE#NYSE">GWRE</a>) shares rose 14.57% after Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on the stock with a Buy rating and announced a price forecast of $210. The company is also set to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43148643" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">join the S&amp;P MidCap 400</a>.</li>
<li>Wipro Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WIT#NYSE">WIT</a>) stock gained 14.24% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43054648" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected Q3 financial results</a> and announced an interim dividend.</li>
<li>Palantir Technologies Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) stock escalated 14.07%, probably after President Trump announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43157322" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project Stargate</a>, a $500 billion AI infrastructure investment.</li>
</ol>
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Large Cap

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GWRE

IBKR

MRNA

NFLX

ORCL

PLTR

RKLB

SMMT

TWLO

Netflix, Palantir And Moderna Are Among Top 12 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (Jan 20-Jan 24): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Assets managed by advisers continued to grow in 2023, hitting a record $31.3 trillion, according to a <a href="https://www.planadviser.com/total-number-advisers-stagnated-cerulli-reports/">new report from Cerulli Associates</a>. However, the number of advisers managing all that money has not been growing nearly as fast. Over the last ten years, the report indicates the number of registered advisers has increased by just 0.2%.
This shortage of manpower and abundance of work hasn&#8217;t so far affected client satisfaction scores. 80% of clients say they are happy with their adviser. But dig a little deeper and the manpower shortage may be affecting what kind of advisors people seek out.
According to the report, independent RIAs have increased their market share (by assets managed) from 12% to 16% over the last decade. Copmanies managing more than $500 million are growing especially fast, and now have 67% of the industry&#8217;s managed assets. Almost half of those firms are considering acquiring other advisers.
For broker/dealers with advisers, this is an issue. 68% of advisers say they have trouble learning or using their own broker/dealer&#8217;s technology. At the same time, the report indicates that 71% of new advisers strike out in the first five years of work. This suggests that to win back market share from independent RIAs, who appear more appealing to clients, broker/dealers must invest more heavily in training, mentoring, and technology for new advisers.
On the other hand, independent advisers may want to double down on their use of technology, knowing that one of their competitive advantages lies in nimbler, easier to use, and more client-friendly systems.
Another competitive advantage the report identifies is in offering financial planning services for investors. Currently, only 48% of advisers provide such services, demand is high and Cerulli expects that number to hit 55% next year. Advisers who get ahead of the pack may find this a key differentiator against their competitors.

Financial Advisors

How The Adviser Shortage Creates An Opening For Independent RIAs

The week in the world of cryptocurrency was nothing short of eventful. From sarcastic speculations about President Biden&#8217;s Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) strategy to President Trump&#8217;s executive order on crypto, the week was rife with significant developments. The inauguration of President Trump also saw the crash of Trump-themed memecoins, while a whale investor made a massive purchase of the Trump memecoin. Meanwhile, Elon Musk&#8217;s Martian dreams for Dogecoin were grounded amid lawsuits against his Department of Government Efficiency.
Peter Schiff&#8217;s Bitcoin Banter
Noted economist Peter Schiff humorously speculated on whether President Joe Biden would sell some of the state-owned Bitcoin ahead of Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential inauguration. Schiff&#8217;s comments came in the context of President-elect Trump&#8217;s reported plans to declare cryptocurrency a national priority and create a national Bitcoin reserve.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43078360/peter-schiff-gets-sarcastic-wonders-whether-biden-will-sell-some-bitcoin-on-last-day-of-presidency">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Crypto Moves
President Donald Trump signed executive orders on digital assets, aiming to bolster U.S. leadership in the crypto industry. The order establishes a Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, chaired by White House ‘AI &amp; Crypto Czar' David Sacks. The group will develop a federal regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43177482/trump-signs-executive-order-on-crypto-bitcoin-reserve-to-be-evaluated">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Memecoin Mayhem
The official meme coins of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tanked on Monday, eroding billions in investors&#8217; wealth. The Official Trump (TRUMP) token sank over 30%, while the Official Melania (MELANIA) coin plummeted over 54% in the last 24 hours.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43088840/donald-and-melania-trump-memecoins-crash-after-presidential-inaugurationfirst-couples-crypto-wealth-plunges-36">Read the full article here.</a>
Whale Investor&#8217;s Trump Coin Purchase
A trader bought over $5 million worth of Official Trump memecoin just minutes after President Trump said he knows little about it. The purchase, which came after the coin fell over 33%, was one of the biggest single purchases since the coin's launch.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43120439/whale-investor-makes-one-of-the-biggest-purchases-of-trump-memecoin-minutes-after-president-says-i-dont-know-much-about-it">Read the full article here.</a>
Musk&#8217;s Martian Dreams Grounded
Elon Musk&#8217;s optimism about his Department of Government Efficiency at Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential inauguration did not lift Dogecoin, which plummeted amid lawsuits against the agency. Musk expressed his gratitude to the American people for voting for Trump and assured them of a secure future.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/43088336/elon-musk-says-doge-to-mars-but-memecoin-fails-to-get-a-liftoff-amid-department-of-government-efficiency-lawsuits">Read the full article here.</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

Bitcoin Banter, Trump's Crypto Moves, Memecoin Mayhem, And Musk's Martian Dreams: This Week In Crypto

As we move further into 2025,&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is making headlines, but not all for the right reasons. The tech giant has had a turbulent start to the year, with its stock performance causing concern among investors. Meanwhile, the company is making significant changes in its AI division and facing rumors about its upcoming iPhone 17. Let&#8217;s dive into the key stories that shaped Apple&#8217;s week.
Apple Stock Nears Critical Level
Apple&#8217;s shares are nearing a significant level that could signal further losses, according to analysts. The company&#8217;s stock has plummeted by 11% since the start of the year, making it the weakest performer in the &#8216;Magnificent 7&#8217; group. This downturn is in stark contrast to the S&amp;P 500, which has seen a 4% gain, reaching a new record high. This is Apple&#8217;s most challenging start to the year since 2008.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43215545/apple-stock-nears-critical-level-amid-worst-start-start-to-the-year-since-2008-when-you-get-names-starting-to-flirt-with-ityou-kind-of-lose-confidence">Read the full article here.</a>
AI Division Shakeup
Apple has appointed Kim Vorrath, a veteran executive, as a senior leader in its artificial intelligence and machine learning division. This move is seen as Apple's effort to infuse more rigor into its AI development, indicating the company's recognition of AI's significance for its future. However, its AI-powered news notification summaries will be paused in iOS 18.3 following criticism over their lack of accuracy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43215468/apple-shakes-up-ai-division-taps-veteran-kim-vorrath-to-bolster-siri">Read the full article here.</a>
iPhone 17 Dynamic Island Rumors
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo contradicted earlier rumors about the iPhone 17‘s Dynamic Island, suggesting that it will remain largely unchanged.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43215414/apples-iphone-17-dynamic-island-to-remain-largely-unchanged-despite-prior-rumors-says-top-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>
Steve Jobs&#8217; 1981 PC Prediction
In 1981, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs expressed skepticism about the home market for personal computers. Just three years later, Apple unveiled the Macintosh, a device that not only changed computing but also set the stage for the tech giant&#8217;s dominance in consumer tech.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43214225/apple-co-founder-steve-jobs-in-1981-said-homes-werent-ready-for-personal-computers-three-years-later-cupertino-launched-the-macintosh-and-made-history">Read the full article here.</a>
Smarter Mail for Mac
Apple is reportedly bringing its AI smarts to the Mac's Mail app with the upcoming macOS 15.4 update. The new Mail app will make it easier for users struggling with email overload by sorting emails into neat categories and prioritizing urgent ones.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43080333/apples-making-your-macs-mail-much-smarter-heres-whats-coming">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43215315/wedbush-hikes-target-price-on-oklo-to-45-on-hopes-of-ai-raising-power-demand">Sam Altman-Backed Oklo Stock Gets Price Target Hike From Wedbush On Hopes Of AI Raising Power Demand</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Apple's Rough Start To 2025, Stock Woes, AI Shakeups, And More: This Week In Appleverse

As the week comes to a close, the financial world has been buzzing with a flurry of news. From the White House to Wall Street, major developments have been shaping the economic landscape. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines this week.
Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Drill, Baby, Drill&#8217; Era Begins
In his return to the White House, President Donald Trump wasted no time in declaring a national energy emergency. During his inauguration speech, he reaffirmed his commitment to fossil fuels, pledging to "drill, baby, drill" and revoke the electric vehicle mandate. Companies like Baker Hughes (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKR#NASDAQ">BKR</a>) and Gulfport Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPOR#NYSE">GPOR</a>) could see significant impacts from these policy shifts.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43097430/trumps-drill-baby-drill-era-begins-oil-prices-tumble-us-energy-stocks-edge-up">Read the full article here.</a>
Netflix Raises Prices Amid Inflation Concerns
Streaming giant Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) announced a 16% price increase for its standard streaming plan, sparking concerns about persistent inflation risks. The price hikes coincided with Netflix's robust fourth-quarter earnings report, which showed a significant increase in revenue and subscriber growth.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43119464/netflix-raises-prices-16-peter-schiff-warns-of-escalating-inflation-risks-ahead-of-trump-policies">Read the full article here.</a>
Coffee Prices Soar, Starbucks Could Face Margin Squeeze
Arabica coffee futures have soared to multi-decade highs, increasing investor concerns about Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) margins and pressuring the company&#8217;s valuation multiple. With average coffee price inflation expected to be 75.5% for Q1 2025, the coffee giant could face significant challenges.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43135622/coffee-prices-soar-to-record-highs-could-starbucks-face-margin-squeeze">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Outlines Economic Reset At Davos
Four days into his second term, President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum 2025, outlining an aggressive economic agenda that promises corporate tax cuts, deregulation, energy expansion and a hardline stance on global trade. His America-first approach could have significant implications for companies like Oracle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>).
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43170854/trump-outlines-economic-reset-at-davos-5-things-you-need-to-know">Read the full article here.</a>
Powell &amp; Co. Will Wait
With Jerome Powell keeping his cards close to the chest, investors hoping for a quick rate cut might need to sit tight. According to Kevin Flanagan, Head of Fixed Income Strategy at WisdomTree, the latest numbers simply don&#8217;t &#8220;rise to the threshold&#8221; for an early rate cut.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43101541/exclusive-powell-co-will-wait-wisdomtree-expert-says-on-why-investors-need-smarter-bond-strategy">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43215468/apple-shakes-up-ai-division-taps-veteran-kim-vorrath-to-bolster-siri">Apple Shakes Up AI Division, Taps Veteran Kim Vorrath To Bolster Siri</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

GPOR

SBUX

WTBN

Trump's Energy Agenda, Skyrocketing Coffee Prices, Davos Highlights, And Powell's Wait-And-See Approach: This Week In Economics

The past week has been a whirlwind of activity, with significant developments in the corn industry, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.
RFK Jr. Pledge Could Shatter Corn Industry
Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to ban high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and seed oils, causing alarm among corn farmers, especially in key regions like western Ohio. HFCS, a sweetener found in many processed foods, is a significant product of the corn industry. Kennedy&#8217;s stance against HFCS, which he links to health issues like obesity and diabetes, could potentially disrupt the industry.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43076874/rfk-jr-pledge-could-shatter-corn-industry-farmers-brace-for-impact">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Signs Executive Order On Crypto
President Donald Trump has signed executive orders to strengthen U.S. leadership in the crypto industry and halt progress on central bank digital currencies. The order establishes a Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which will include key figures such as the Secretary of the Treasury and the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The group&#8217;s task is to develop a federal regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43177482/trump-signs-executive-order-on-crypto-bitcoin-reserve-to-be-evaluated">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Reverses Biden&#8217;s AI Policies
On his first day in office, President Trump revoked former President Joe Biden's comprehensive executive order on artificial intelligence. The move was part of a broader action that reversed 78 Biden-era executive actions and aligns with Trump&#8217;s campaign promise to de-regulate industry.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/43106379/trump-reverses-bidens-ai-policies-on-day-1-what-it-means-for-tech-giants-nvidia-amd-alphabet">Read the full article here.</a>
Elizabeth Warren Lists Changes For Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE Department
Senator Elizabeth Warren has presented strategies to tech mogul Elon Musk on how the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency could potentially cut government spending. Among her recommendations were renegotiating better deals for Department of Defense contracts and preventing the military from doing civilian jobs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43182640/elizabeth-warren-lists-changes-for-elon-musks-doge-department-urges-guantanamo-closure-due-to-hundreds-of-millions-in-annual-costs">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla&#8217;s Chinese Rivals Surge Over Lack Of Tariff Announcement
Shares of EV startup Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) fell in premarket trading after President Trump revoked a 2021 executive order by former President Biden that aimed to ensure half of new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 are electric. Trump, however, did not impose any tariffs on Beijing causing shares of U.S.-listed Chinese EV startups to rise.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43091254/teslas-chinese-rivals-li-xpeng-nio-surge-while-rivian-declines-in-pre-market-as-trump-revokes-bidens-ev-target">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
 This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anan Ashraf.</a>

RIVN

RFK Jr.'s Corn Pledge, Trump's Crypto And AI Moves, Warren's DOGE Recommendations, And More: This Week In Politics

Gen X is feeling the squeeze like never before. Stuck between aging parents who need care and kids who still need support, many are finding their finances stretched to the limit. And it's not just about money – time, stress and an uncertain future.
Take Erika Gilles, 57, as an example. After her 78-year-old mother, Karen Proctor, was hospitalized last year, Gilles' life turned upside down. "It's totally absorbed all of my time," she told Business Insider. "I don't think I'm ever going to retire."
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Her mother's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/medicare">Medicare </a>didn't cover long-term care, leaving Gilles scrambling for affordable options. She managed to find an assisted living facility, but they had to apply for a state subsidy to help cover the costs. If that doesn't come through, they may need to sell her mother's home in Arizona.
A $600 Billion Problem
Gilles isn't alone. Millions of Americans are in similar situations. <a href="https://press.aarp.org/2024-5-16-US-Workforce-Report-70-Caregivers-Difficulty-Balancing-Career-Caregiving-Responsibilities">According to AARP, </a>unpaid caregivers provided $600 billion of labor last year. That's a staggering number. But for many families, caregiving isn't optional.
A survey from Carewell found that 75% of adults caring for both a parent and a child are struggling to save for retirement. More than 60% live paycheck to paycheck. This financial stress creates a domino effect as younger generations sacrifice their financial stability to care for aging relatives.
"The bigger issue is you can create almost a cycle of poverty," Marc Cohen, a gerontology professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston, said to BI. "The costs are borne communally."
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Why Isn't Medicare Helping?
Here's the kicker: Medicare doesn't cover most long-term care needs, such as assisted living or home health care. Medicaid helps, but with strict eligibility requirements and long waitlists, it's not enough.
"People find out late in life that they don't have any protection against these costs," Cohen explained.
Lisa McCracken from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing &amp; Care said affordability is the biggest challenge. &#8220;Particularly in the middle market, it's a major concern," she told BI.
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A Way Forward?
Experts say the government needs to step in. Cohen suggests a public long-term care insurance program funded by payroll taxes, similar to Social Security. Washington State has already started something like this with WA Cares, which provides $36,500 in benefits per person, indexed to inflation.
Gilles wants to see more done. "They've got to provide more support to families going through this," she said. "It's got to be more affordable or they need to provide more resources."
For Gen X, the message is clear: this crisis isn't going away. And for many, retirement is looking less like a goal and more like a pipe dream.
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Personal Finance

'I Don't Think I'm Ever Going To Retire' – How Gen X Is Getting Squeezed Between Kids, Aging Parents And $600 Billion In Unpaid Care

Microsoft has a new way to determine which employees it can't afford to lose and it's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41736493/microsoft-co-founder-bill-gates-says-everyone-in-future-will-have-a-utilitarian-ai-agent-that-will-h">all about AI.</a> An internal document viewed by Business Insider sheds light on how managers are working to keep top AI talent in the fold – and it involves some big questions and even bigger paychecks.
Here's what's going on.
AI Talent Gets Special Treatment
Microsoft managers can request retention bonuses for employees they see as irreplaceable. To do that, they fill out a form answering questions like, "What harm is done if the employee leaves Microsoft?"
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Sounds intense, right? But there's a twist. The document now includes a new section specifically about AI.
Managers are asked to explain whether the employee is a "critical AI talent" and how their departure could hurt the company's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42438799/bill-gates-predicts-ai-in-the-workforce-will-lead-to-so-much-leisure-time-but-itll-create-a-what-do-we-do-with-all-that-time-problem">AI initiatives.</a> It's clear that AI is Microsoft's top priority and they're not messing around when it comes to keeping the best and brightest.
Why the Focus on AI?
AI is the name of the game right now. Companies like Google, OpenAI and Meta are racing to dominate the space and the talent competition is fierce.
It's not just about snagging the brightest minds – it's about keeping them. Losing an engineer who knows the ins and outs of AI could mean setbacks worth millions.
See Also: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-nancy-pelosi">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000</a>
Microsoft seems to know this. According to BI, Microsoft's AI employees earn much more than their colleagues. Engineers in the AI group reportedly make 48% more than the average software engineer at the company.&nbsp;
A Strategic Move
The updated retention form was prepared for a specific group inside Microsoft, though it's unclear if the same AI-focused questions are being used across the company.
A Microsoft spokesperson told BI that these forms aren't standardized. Different teams can tweak them based on what matters most to their work.
But the inclusion of AI in this document hints at a larger trend. The stakes in the AI talent wars are sky-high and Microsoft isn't about to lose its edge.
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The Bigger Picture
This move comes as AI reshapes the tech world. From generative AI tools to advanced models, the industry is evolving fast. And companies like Microsoft are betting big.
The takeaway? If you're an AI expert, you're in demand. If you're not, maybe it's time to improve your machine learning skills.
For now, Microsoft's strategy is simple: Keep the talent, no matter the cost. After all, in the race for AI dominance, every brain counts.
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'What Harm Is Done If They Leave?' – Microsoft's Secret Document Reveals AI Retention Strategies

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42545204/marjorie-taylor-greene-pushes-to-sell-off-usps-amid-doge-momentum-we-need-to-privatize-ive-been-saying-it-for-years">United States Postal Service</a> (USPS) is offering employees a voluntary early retirement incentive to address overstaffing in its facilities. This incentive includes lump-sum payments equaling up to $15,000. According to the Federal News Network, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is employing this opportunity to improve the organization&#8217;s efficiencies as part of a broader strategy.&nbsp;
A spokesperson for USPS told the Federal News Network that the retirement incentive is available for certain employees within the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).&nbsp;
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A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between USPS and the APWU went out to employees, stating that eligible full-time employees will receive $10,000 on Aug. 15, 2025 and the remaining $5,000 on Aug. 28, 2026. Certain part-time employees may also be eligible for prorated amounts.&nbsp;
Not every full-time employee can volunteer for this incentive. There are certain qualifications one must meet, including:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Being at least 50 years old with at least 20 years of creditable federal service OR any age with at least 25 years of creditable federal service</li>
<li>At least five years of creditable civilian service</li>
</ul>
The offer is available until March 7, 2025 and those who volunteer to retire must do so by April 30, 2025 – even if they already had a set retirement date for later this year, according to the MOU.
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Certain exclusions also apply. Employees with pending removal notices or those retiring due to disability won't be eligible for the incentive. Also, employees who reapply for USPS positions within two years may be required to repay the incentive.&nbsp;
Since DeJoy assumed office in 2020, the USPS has faced significant workforce reductions. During his tenure, the USPS cut about 20,000 jobs and reduced the total number of work hours by 45 million, according to Federal News Network. At the same time, the USPS converted 190,000 noncareer employees to career positions, offering them better benefits and pay.&nbsp;
The APWU and NPMHU have expressed support for the voluntary retirement incentive, seeing it as a collaborative effort with USPS to address <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42250885/gen-zers-are-being-fired-just-months-after-getting-hired-employers-cite-lack-of-motivation-poor-communication-and-unprofessional-behavior">workforce challenges</a>. However, concerns remain about the broader implications of workforce reductions. Republican lawmakers have criticized converting noncareer employees to career positions, citing increased labor costs. USPS reported a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42496990/trump-eyes-privatization-of-postal-service-amid-9-5-billion-loss">$9.5 billion net loss</a> for fiscal year 2024, intensifying scrutiny of its financial decisions.
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This isn't USPS's first attempt at voluntary workforce reductions. In 2013, the agency offered a similar $15,000 incentive to APWU employees. More recently, nonunion employees at USPS headquarters were offered early retirement opportunities in 2021, albeit without additional financial incentives.
As USPS continues to navigate financial and operational changes, the success of this buyout program could set a precedent for future workforce restructuring efforts. Eligible employees have until early March to decide and their choices will likely shape USPS's ability to balance cost savings with service quality.
For more information, employees are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines provided by USPS and consult with their union representatives.
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USPS Offers $15K Buyouts In Overstaffed Facilities: Unions And Critics Weigh In

President Donald Trump has ended security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43193866/trumps-tariff-hikes-could-stoke-consumer-inflation-jitters-challenge-fed-goldman-sachs-warns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White House&#8217;s former top medical advisor</a>.
Fauci, who faced significant threats during his leadership of the U.S. response to the Covid-19 pandemic, had been under constant security detail, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg49jz7v8no" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> BBC.
Trump defended his decision, stating that it is standard practice for government officials not to retain security protection indefinitely once they leave office.
Alongside Fauci, Trump also removed security protections for several other former officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton, who had received threats from Iran.
When asked if he felt responsible for the safety of the officials, Trump responded by stating that they had earned substantial amounts of money and could afford their own security. BBC quoted Trump saying, &#8220;They can hire their own security too.&#8221;
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In Fauci&#8217;s case, following the revocation, he arranged for private security at his own expense, BBC reports.
This decision comes after increasing criticism from Republican figures, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) who had publicly called for Fauci&#8217;s security detail to be revoked, citing concerns about the costs involved.
The protocol for former officials&#8217; security is based on an assessment of threats by intelligence agencies.
While former U.S. presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime security protection, others, including former government officials, are subject to evaluations of their security needs.
Fauci, who served as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for over 40 years, was a prominent figure in the nation&#8217;s Covid-19 response and faced intense political scrutiny throughout the pandemic.
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Equities

General

Trump Ends Anthony Fauci's Security Protection: 'They Can Hire Their Own Security'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) publicly denounced the stock trading activities of lawmakers, pointing out an apparent inconsistency among Democrats.
What Happened: Ocasio-Cortez and Jon Stewart voiced their disapproval of Congress members owning and trading stocks during a conversation on Stewart&#8217;s &#8220;The Weekly Show&#8221; podcast on Friday.
During the podcast, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted what she sees as a &#8220;hypocrisy&#8221; within her own party regarding this issue.
According to Ocasio-Cortez, Democrats need to ensure their actions align with their words, and she pointed to insider trading in Congress as a stark example of this hypocrisy. 
"There needs to be Democrats who walk the walk and talk the talk. There is an insane amount of hypocrisy, and the hypocrisy is what gets exploited to use the cynicism and wherever there's a hypocritical window. For example, I think one of the most biggest examples of this is insider trading in Congress," Ocasio-Cortez said.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f440; AOC Openly Admits Democrats in Congress Are Doing Insider Trading Wild… <a href="https://t.co/I4CBRCgvA6">pic.twitter.com/I4CBRCgvA6</a>
&mdash; Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChiefNerd/status/1882594371457171829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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"It's so crazy. I mean, like, it's the end of the thing. Like, people think that everyday people are stupid. I'm like, ‘Do you all really think that people don't see this s&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;?&#8217;" Ocasio-Cortez added. 
Stewart agreed with her, noting that the positions lawmakers hold on committees give them access to insider information that could potentially enhance their trading portfolios.
"And then we're supposed to act like money only corrupts Republicans?" Ocasio-Cortez said.
Both Ocasio-Cortez and Stewart took issue with the idea that the public is unaware of these practices. Their remarks come in the wake of increasing demands for a prohibition on lawmakers trading stocks.
Why It Matters: The issue of lawmakers trading stocks has been a contentious topic for some time. Critics argue that it creates a conflict of interest and provides an unfair advantage to those in power. 
The recent comments by Ocasio-Cortez and Stewart bring this issue back into the spotlight, potentially prompting further discussion and action on the matter. 
As public figures with significant influence, their stance could sway public opinion and pressure lawmakers to reconsider their position on this issue.
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AOC Says Democrats in Congress Are Doing Insider Trading: 'People Think That Everyday People Are Stupid'

Former Trump White House adviser Anthony Scaramucci has cast doubt on President Donald Trump&#8216;s true commitment to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda.
What Happened: During an interaction on MSNBC, Scaramucci boldly suggested that Trump&#8217;s loyalty to the MAGA cause is not as steadfast as it appears. 
He proposed that Trump&#8217;s interests lie more with the billionaires in his circle than with ardent MAGA supporters like Steve Bannon.
&#8220;There's a fight for the core of MAGA. And the really interesting part about it is Trump himself is not MAGA. Just take a look at what he did. He's got the billionaires lined up right behind his family. The people that are in his government that supposedly represent MAGA were behind them. And trust me, I know him. He's a very detail-oriented guy that way in terms of aesthetics,&#8221; Scaramucci said. &nbsp;
During <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/">the </a>interview, Scaramucci further elaborated, stating that Trump&#8217;s actions, such as rallying billionaires to support his family, were calculated. 
He interprets this as an attempt by Trump to depict these billionaires as subservient to him, a move that Scaramucci sees as a departure from the fundamental MAGA values.
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Scaramucci also noted that Trump&#8217;s focus on personal gains and attention seems to take precedence over his interest in the congressional midterms. 
&#8220;Does anybody here think that he cares about what happens in the congressional midterms? And I can tell you right now, he marginally does, but not really, because everything is about him. So look at it through the following prism. Am I getting a lot of attention or am I making a lot of money? And that's that's Donald Trump. And the way to beat him is to get to the normal people that are currently apathetic about the situation and bring them into the swimming pool with us,&#8221; he added. 
These comments from Scaramucci hint at a widening rift within the Trump camp, with varying perspectives on the true nature of the MAGA movement.
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s remarks add to the ongoing debate about the true intentions behind the MAGA movement and Trump&#8217;s commitment to it. 
If Scaramucci&#8217;s claims hold weight, it could potentially lead to further divisions within the Trump camp and the MAGA movement as a whole. 
This could have significant implications for the future of the movement and its influence on American politics.
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Image: Shutterstock

Scaramucci Questions Trump's Commitment to MAGA Agenda: 'Trump Himself Is Not MAGA'

Renowned investor Stanley Druckenmiller predicts a possible escalation in bond yields as a result of economic growth, which could potentially influence stock market profits.
What Happened: Druckenmiller, who oversees&nbsp;a $3 billion family office,&nbsp;shared his perspective on CNBC on Monday. He observed that the business sector is showing enthusiasm about the ascension of the Trump administration, with CEOs&#8217; reactions varying from &#8220;relieved to giddy&#8221;.
However, during <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/01/20/watch-cnbcs-full-interview-with-billionaire-investor-stanley-druckenmiller.html">the</a> interview, Druckenmiller cautioned that investors should not anticipate easy gains in the stock market during the new Donald Trump era.
"We do a lot of talking to CEOs and companies on the ground. And I'd say CEOs are somewhere between relieved and giddy. So we're a believer in&nbsp;animal spirits," Druckenmiller said.
&#8220;Expectations for economic growth, lower inflation, and positive business conditions have increased in anticipation of pro-business policies and legislation in the new year,&#8221; he added.
He clarified that if government policy fuels economic growth, it could result in an increase in bond yields, potentially capping stock prices.
&#8220;You&#8217;re going to have this push of a strong economy versus bond yields rising in response to that strong economy, and that kind of makes me not have a strong opinion one way or the other,&#8221; he said. 
Druckenmiller pointed out that the stock valuations in comparison to bonds seem the least attractive in two decades. 
&#8220;In terms of the markets, I would say it&#8217;s complicated,&#8221; Druckenmiller said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43074781/billionaire-stanley-druckenmiller-selling-this-ai-stock-was-a-big-mistake">Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller: Selling This AI Stock Was a &#8216;Big Mistake&#8217;</a>
Despite these apprehensions, Druckenmiller remains optimistic about firms where the implementation of AI technology could lead to efficiency improvements and enhance profits. 
He also expressed minimal concern over&nbsp;potential tariffs from the Trump&nbsp;administration, provided they stay reasonable.
&#8220;To me, tariffs are simply a consumption tax that foreigners pay for some of it and retaliation from other countries is a risk. But if the US stays in the 10% range on tariffs, the risks are overblown relative to the rewards,&#8221; he said. 
Druckenmiller said that he would remain a stock picker during the Trump administration and he will focus on individual stocks more than the broader market.
Why It Matters: Druckenmiller&#8217;s predictions come at a time when the global economy is grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The anticipated rise in bond yields could impact investors&#8217; strategies and the overall stock market performance. 
His optimism towards AI technology adoption signifies the growing importance of digital transformation in the business world. 
As the Trump administration continues to shape economic policies, the investor community will be closely watching the interplay between economic growth, bond yields, and stock market returns.
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Image: Shutterstock

Fund Manager Stanley Druckenmiller Delivers Blunt Take On Markets After Trump's Return: 'In Terms of Markets, I Would Say It's Complicated'

Following an executive order from President Donald Trump, U.S. TikTok users are reportedly seeing signs of increased censorship on the app, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43153555/tiktok-parent-bytedance-plans-12-billion-ai-chip-investment-in-2025-to-bolster-global-ai-ambitions-amid-us-export-controls-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">once seen as a free-speech haven</a>.
After going offline for a brief period due to new laws aimed at addressing national security concerns, TikTok has resumed its operations.
But users have noticed fewer livestreams, higher rates of content being flagged or removed, and more frequent warnings about misinformation, reports Reuters.
The app, owned by China&#8217;s ByteDance, was forced to be sold to a U.S. buyer under new laws passed during the Biden administration.
Following the platform&#8217;s revival, some users claim TikTok is moderating content more strictly, including the removal of comments or posts with phrases like &#8220;Free Palestine,&#8221; Reuters adds.
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Others say satirical videos, such as one poking fun at Elon Musk, have been flagged as misinformation, limiting their reach.
The changes in the platform&#8217;s behavior have raised concerns, with users speculating that these actions might reflect a shift in TikTok&#8217;s policies.
TikTok, however, maintained that no significant changes have occurred to its algorithms and assured users that the current instability is temporary as they work to restore normal operations, Reuters writes.
Despite this, the growing sense of censorship has sparked a debate about the fine line between content moderation and free speech on social media platforms.
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Is TikTok Turning Into a Censorship Machine? Users Witness New Restrictions After Trump's Order

The Trump administration has begun&nbsp;deportation flights of immigrants who&nbsp;entered the US illegally, utilizing Air Force C-17 planes. This development was confirmed by the White House.
What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the first of these flights on Friday. She shared Images on X showing individuals in restraints being loaded onto Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs.
Leavitt conveyed that President Donald Trump is sending a &#8220;strong and clear message&#8221; to the world about the consequences of illegal entry into the United States. Two deportation flights to Guatemala were conducted overnight, according to a US defense official.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. <a href="https://t.co/CTlG8MRcY1">pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1</a>
&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1882759560613527770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The press secretary also disclosed that over 500 &#8220;illegal immigrant criminals&#8221; had been apprehended, with hundreds more&nbsp;being deported by military aircraft.&nbsp;She characterized the operation as the &#8220;largest massive deportation operation in&nbsp;history&#8221;.
During his inaugural address, President Trump reiterated his stance on illegal immigration, vowing to halt all illegal entry and commence the process of deporting &#8220;millions and millions of criminal&nbsp;aliens&#8221;.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43073771/chicago-braces-for-massive-immigration-raid-hours-after-donald-trumps-second-inauguration">Chicago Braces For Massive Immigration Raid Hours After Donald Trump&#8217;s Second Inauguration</a>
On his first day in&nbsp;office, Trump declared&nbsp;a national emergency at the&nbsp;US-Mexico border and instructed the US Northern Command to seal the borders. This week,&nbsp;an additional 1,500 active-duty soldiers&nbsp;and Marines were deployed to the border, augmenting&nbsp;the total active-duty force size&nbsp;to approximately 4,000 service members.
Why It Matters: This move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration&#8217;s efforts to curb illegal immigration. The use of military aircraft for deportation is unprecedented and signals a hardening of the administration&#8217;s stance on immigration policy. 
The operation, described as the &#8220;largest massive deportation operation in&nbsp;history&#8221;, indicates the scale of the administration&#8217;s commitment to its immigration policy. The deployment of additional troops to the border further underscores this commitment. 
The impact of these measures on the situation at the US-Mexico border and on US immigration policy more broadly will be closely watched.
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Image: Shutterstock

Trump Administration Initiates Deportation Flights Using Military Aircraft

The contentious Donald Trump biopic &#8220;The Apprentice,&#8221; which faced fierce opposition from the President, has secured two Academy Award nominations.
What Happened: Despite its struggle to secure a distributor and lackluster box office performance, the film is now vying for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at this year&#8217;s Oscars.
The nominations were given to Sebastian Stan, who played Trump, and Jeremy Strong, who took on the role of Trump&#8217;s former attorney and mentor Roy Cohn.
Despite a drop in viewership in the digital era, the Academy Awards still command a substantial audience. Last year&#8217;s ceremony drew close to 20 million viewers in the U.S. alone. The awards show, scheduled for March 2, could potentially give the film a significant publicity boost.
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According to the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-movie-apprentice-oscar-awards-2025-1">by</a> Business Insider, Gabriel Sherman, who wrote the film&#8217;s screenplay, lauded Stan and Strong for their performances. He also expressed gratification that the Academy was acknowledging the film in spite of the prevailing political climate.
The film&#8217;s release was marked by controversy, including conflicts between the film&#8217;s financier, Mark Rapaport, and the creative team.
The film&#8217;s difficulty in finding a distributor was linked to Hollywood&#8217;s apprehension of provoking Trump ahead of the November elections.
Why It Matters: The nomination of &#8220;The Apprentice&#8221; for two major Academy Awards is a significant development, given the film&#8217;s controversial background and initial struggles. 
The film faced numerous challenges, from finding a distributor to dealing with political pressures. Despite these hurdles, the film&#8217;s recognition by the Academy signifies a potential shift in Hollywood&#8217;s approach to politically sensitive content. 
This could pave the way for more films that tackle contentious subjects, potentially altering the landscape of the film industry.
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Entertainment

'Apprentice' Oscar Nominations Bring Spotlight to Trump Movie Trump Can't Stand

Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the claim made by President Donald Trump that the conflict in Ukraine could have been prevented if Trump had been in office in 2022.
What Happened: During&nbsp;an interview with Russian state&nbsp;television on Friday, Putin lauded Trump as a &#8220;clever and pragmatic man&#8221; who prioritized U.S. interests.
Putin expressed his agreement with Trump&#8217;s viewpoint, stating, &#8220;I couldn&#8217;t&nbsp;disagree with him that if&nbsp;he had been president, if&nbsp;they hadn&#8217;t&nbsp;stolen victory from him in&nbsp;2020, the crisis that emerged&nbsp;in Ukraine in 2022 could&nbsp;have been avoided.&#8221;
"We always had a business-like, pragmatic but also trusting relationship with the current U.S. president," The New York Post quoted Putin <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/01/24/world-news/putin-backs-trump-claim-that-ukraine-conflict-would-not-have-happened-if-don-was-in-office/">saying</a>.
This statement marks Putin&#8217;s most explicit endorsement of Trump&#8217;s refusal to accept his loss&nbsp;in the 2020 election. Trump&nbsp;has consistently maintained that the conflict would not have erupted had he been in office.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42380085/trump-on-assads-fall-putin-was-not-interested-in-protecting-him-any-longer">Trump on Assad&#8217;s Fall: Putin &#8216;Was Not Interested In Protecting Him Any Longer&#8217;</a>
Putin also expressed his willingness to engage in discussions&nbsp;with the U.S. on a&nbsp;variety of topics,&nbsp;including nuclear arms control and&nbsp;economic issues. 
He criticized the sanctions imposed on Russia during Trump&#8217;s first term and under the administration of former President Joe Biden, claiming that they had negatively impacted U.S. interests and weakened the dollar&#8217;s role in the global financial system.
"How is it possible to conduct talks if they are banned?" Putin said. "If the talks start in the existing legal framework, they would be illegitimate and the results of those talks could also be declared illegitimate."
In response to Trump&#8217;s recent remarks that the OPEC+ alliance is partly responsible for the conflict in Ukraine due to high oil prices, Putin&#8217;s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow&#8217;s stance that the conflict was instigated by the West&#8217;s refusal to consider Russian security interests, and not related to oil prices.
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Image: Shutterstock

Global

Putin Agrees With Trump: Ukraine War Avoidable if Trump Had Been in Office

Manalapan, a renowned enclave in Florida's Palm Beach County, has consistently seen skyrocketing real estate prices, attracting high-profile residents like Larry Ellison and Sean Hannity.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a local developer is setting a new benchmark, listing a spec-built mansion for $285 million.
The ambitious listing places the property among the most expensive for sale in the United States. It falls just short of a 9-acre compound in Naples, Florida, listed for a potential record-breaking $295 million last February, which remains on the market.
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The current record for a U.S. home sale stands at about $240 million, set in 2019 by billionaire hedge funder Ken Griffin's purchase of a New York City apartment.
The $285 million listing comes from Stewart Satter, a prominent local developer who briefly served as Manalapan's mayor last year. Satter founded and sold Consumer Testing Laboratories in 2016 and now pursues real estate development as a passion project. He stepped down as mayor after facing new financial disclosure requirements, citing discomfort with disclosing his income and wealth.
Satter acquired the approximately 4-acre property, adjacent to Ellison's estate, for $27.5 million last March. The land, spanning from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, features a private tunnel beneath South Ocean Boulevard. Satter demolished the existing residence and enlisted renowned local builder Robert W. Burrage and architecture firm Choeff Levy Fischman to bring his vision to life.
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The plans envision a contemporary compound encompassing a 50,000-square-foot main house, a substantial guesthouse and a boat house. The main residence will have eight bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, seven powder rooms and a host of amenities, including a bowling alley, movie theater, game room, golf simulator, shooting range, padel court and a "car museum."
"Someone spending $285 million is expecting everything. And in that property, they'll get everything," Satter told The Wall Street Journal.
Construction on the mansion has not yet started. Satter anticipates the buyer may want modifications or customizations to the existing plans. As part of the sale, Satter would continue to serve as the developer, collaborating with the builder and architect throughout the construction process. He would also assume responsibility for all construction costs and associated fees.
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Satter has a long-standing connection to Manalapan, having invested in the affluent community for two decades. In 2005, he acquired four lots in the area for an estimated $20 million.
"People said to me, ‘You're crazy. It's never going to amount to anything.' But I was able to see around the corner and see what was going on," he said.
Manalapan's home values have surged in recent years, largely driven by its proximity to Palm Beach and a surge in demand from affluent buyers, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38967579/palm-beach-mansion-sells-for-152-million-pioneering-new-luxury-asset-class"> Ellison, cofounder of Oracle</a>, set a local record with the $173 million acquisition of his Manalapan estate. He later expanded his presence by purchasing the Eau Palm Beach Resort &amp; Spa for about $277 million. In December of the same year, prominent<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/01/42896754/from-23-5-million-florida-home-to-nyc-engaged-fox-news-host-sean-hannity-to-bridge-the-distance"> media personality Hannity</a> acquired his own estate for $23.5 million in the town.
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Real Estate

Larry Ellison, Sean Hannity And Now A $285M Mansion – Florida's Billionaire Playground: Manalapan's Star Power Grows

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