3 days ago
On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) CEO Jim Farley criticizing the automaker's business relationships with Chinese battery maker CATL and Chinese automakers Geely and BYD as raising "profound concern."
It specifically flagged Ford's licensed CATL battery technology at its Marshall, Michigan plant, its joint venture with Geely in Spain, and its decision not to move Lincoln Nautilus production out of China until 2030. Ford responded that Duffy's letter was "a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines," noting that it owns the Marshall plant, controls its operations, and employs the workforce there, unlike companies that simply import Chinese-made batteries.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) can argue that its CATL partnership still solidifies U.S. battery manufacturing rather than becoming more dependent on Chinese imports. Ford owns and operates its Marshall, Michigan battery plant. It allows the company to manufacture batteries domestically while licensing CATL technology. That structure could help Ford expand its U.S. EV production capacity and reduce the need to import finished Chinese battery packs.
Ford's improving financial performance gives the firm more flexibility to manage the political pressure. The automaker raised its full-year adjusted EBIT guidance to $10 billion-$11 billion after second-quarter results exceeded expectations, with record Bronco sales and a stronger product mix supporting the improvement. Stronger operating earnings could give Ford more resources to adjust its battery strategy if policymakers impose more restrictions on Chinese technology.
The company's existing U.S. manufacturing footprint could become a competitive advantage if Washington tightens restrictions on Chinese automotive technology. Ford has already invested in domestic battery production instead of relying entirely on imported battery packs. Model e losses have narrowed for three consecutive quarters. If policymakers force automakers to cut Chinese supply-chain reliance, Ford can use its existing U.S. factories to adapt faster than rivals that depend heavily on Chinese parts.
#ford #catl #motor
It specifically flagged Ford's licensed CATL battery technology at its Marshall, Michigan plant, its joint venture with Geely in Spain, and its decision not to move Lincoln Nautilus production out of China until 2030. Ford responded that Duffy's letter was "a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines," noting that it owns the Marshall plant, controls its operations, and employs the workforce there, unlike companies that simply import Chinese-made batteries.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) can argue that its CATL partnership still solidifies U.S. battery manufacturing rather than becoming more dependent on Chinese imports. Ford owns and operates its Marshall, Michigan battery plant. It allows the company to manufacture batteries domestically while licensing CATL technology. That structure could help Ford expand its U.S. EV production capacity and reduce the need to import finished Chinese battery packs.
Ford's improving financial performance gives the firm more flexibility to manage the political pressure. The automaker raised its full-year adjusted EBIT guidance to $10 billion-$11 billion after second-quarter results exceeded expectations, with record Bronco sales and a stronger product mix supporting the improvement. Stronger operating earnings could give Ford more resources to adjust its battery strategy if policymakers impose more restrictions on Chinese technology.
The company's existing U.S. manufacturing footprint could become a competitive advantage if Washington tightens restrictions on Chinese automotive technology. Ford has already invested in domestic battery production instead of relying entirely on imported battery packs. Model e losses have narrowed for three consecutive quarters. If policymakers force automakers to cut Chinese supply-chain reliance, Ford can use its existing U.S. factories to adapt faster than rivals that depend heavily on Chinese parts.
#ford #catl #motor
3 days ago
US stocks rebounded on Thursday as oil prices edged lower and a Fed rate hike on Wednesday offered some relief that the central bank was working to contain inflation.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.6%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) climbed 1.1%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) jumped 1.7%, rebounding from a post-Fed-hike slump on Wednesday.
Stocks recovered as investors **** sed Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's hawkish rhetoric, which **** ysts said helped restore the Fed's credibility on inflation. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points for the first time in three years and projected one more rate hike this year.
The decision drew the ire of President Trump, who called for lower interest rates and said he had spoken with Warsh ahead of the FOMC meeting. "You might as well vote with the board because it's not going to matter," Trump said he told Warsh.
Oil prices, meanwhile, ticked lower as US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which has become a key alternative route for oil stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, would be restored soon. Brent crude (BZ=F), the global benchmark, changed hands at $104 per barrel.
#reserve #Trump
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.6%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) climbed 1.1%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) jumped 1.7%, rebounding from a post-Fed-hike slump on Wednesday.
Stocks recovered as investors **** sed Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's hawkish rhetoric, which **** ysts said helped restore the Fed's credibility on inflation. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points for the first time in three years and projected one more rate hike this year.
The decision drew the ire of President Trump, who called for lower interest rates and said he had spoken with Warsh ahead of the FOMC meeting. "You might as well vote with the board because it's not going to matter," Trump said he told Warsh.
Oil prices, meanwhile, ticked lower as US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which has become a key alternative route for oil stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, would be restored soon. Brent crude (BZ=F), the global benchmark, changed hands at $104 per barrel.
#reserve #Trump
4 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions are mounting between the Pentagon and Congress over the flow of information to lawmakers about the U.S. military's priorities, with both Democrats and Republicans accusing a Defense Department leader of being frustratingly opaque.
Some senators from both parties say they were left deeply unsettled Thursday after the Pentagon's top policy adviser, Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, failed to provide an expected update on the Trump administration's National Defense Strategy at a classified briefing.
The lawmakers also say they were unsatisfied with Colby's answers to questions ranging from inquiries about the Iran war to growing concerns that President Donald Trump could deploy troops to polling places during November's midterm congressional elections. Colby acknowledged that discussions about deploying the National Guard were taking place.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Nevada Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Colby "was not forthcoming" and "did not really address our concerns or issues."
Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican also on the committee, described the classified briefing as "just sort of dodge and punt."
#national #committee #lawmakers #concerns
Some senators from both parties say they were left deeply unsettled Thursday after the Pentagon's top policy adviser, Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, failed to provide an expected update on the Trump administration's National Defense Strategy at a classified briefing.
The lawmakers also say they were unsatisfied with Colby's answers to questions ranging from inquiries about the Iran war to growing concerns that President Donald Trump could deploy troops to polling places during November's midterm congressional elections. Colby acknowledged that discussions about deploying the National Guard were taking place.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Nevada Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Colby "was not forthcoming" and "did not really address our concerns or issues."
Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican also on the committee, described the classified briefing as "just sort of dodge and punt."
#national #committee #lawmakers #concerns
4 days ago
WASHINGTON — The talks to end the Iran war had hit a snag.
Vice President JD Vance had flown to Pakistan for negotiations with the Iranians, a sign that the two sides had narrowed their differences and the White House might be poised to announce a breakthrough.
As the marathon April meeting unfolded, though, U.S. negotiators began to worry: It looked like the Iranians were changing the terms of a potential deal. So, during a pause, they phoned Secretary of State Marco Rubio to get a “steer” on what they should do next, an administration official with direct knowledge of the matter said in an interview.
Rubio agreed that they couldn’t accept Iran’s offer, the official said. There would be no deal.
Rubio isn’t the face of the Iran negotiations. He’s kept a discreet public distance as the unpopular war grinds on. Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and the president’s longtime friend and special envoy Steve Witkoff are the main protagonists in the push to end both the Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts.
#rubio
Vice President JD Vance had flown to Pakistan for negotiations with the Iranians, a sign that the two sides had narrowed their differences and the White House might be poised to announce a breakthrough.
As the marathon April meeting unfolded, though, U.S. negotiators began to worry: It looked like the Iranians were changing the terms of a potential deal. So, during a pause, they phoned Secretary of State Marco Rubio to get a “steer” on what they should do next, an administration official with direct knowledge of the matter said in an interview.
Rubio agreed that they couldn’t accept Iran’s offer, the official said. There would be no deal.
Rubio isn’t the face of the Iran negotiations. He’s kept a discreet public distance as the unpopular war grinds on. Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and the president’s longtime friend and special envoy Steve Witkoff are the main protagonists in the push to end both the Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts.
#rubio
5 days ago
The White House on Thursday withdrew the nomination of Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a Republican blocked his confirmation hearing.
Schroyer's nomination stalled after Senate Homeland Security Chair Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a foe of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, requested that the Department of Homeland Security provide his committee with more information about its investigation into two ICE and Border Patrol agents accused of killing two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.
Paul, who as chair controls the committee's hearing and markup agenda, did not oppose Schroyer's nomination, per Drew Carmichael, a spokesperson for the senator.
Schroyer was a surprise pick to lead ICE. He had no experience leading a major law enforcement agency, let alone an organization the size of ICE. But Schroyer has close ties with the DHS secretary. Schroyer at one point led Mullin's security detail and Mullin made Schroyer a senior adviser at DHS.
The White House and DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
#homeland #mullin #enforcement
Schroyer's nomination stalled after Senate Homeland Security Chair Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a foe of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, requested that the Department of Homeland Security provide his committee with more information about its investigation into two ICE and Border Patrol agents accused of killing two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.
Paul, who as chair controls the committee's hearing and markup agenda, did not oppose Schroyer's nomination, per Drew Carmichael, a spokesperson for the senator.
Schroyer was a surprise pick to lead ICE. He had no experience leading a major law enforcement agency, let alone an organization the size of ICE. But Schroyer has close ties with the DHS secretary. Schroyer at one point led Mullin's security detail and Mullin made Schroyer a senior adviser at DHS.
The White House and DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
#homeland #mullin #enforcement
5 days ago
"I am the house now," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told traders last week, as he defended the administration's increasingly interventionist approach to the bond market. He added that he had "asymmetric information" about what policymakers would do next and dared investors: "bet against me if you want."
On Wednesday, Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh might effectively take the other side of the bet.
It's been a hot American summer. Oil is hot, hovering around $110 a barrel. Bond yields are hot, too: the 10-year Treasury yield has pushed above 5%, around its highest level since 2007. Credit markets are running hot as well: U.S.-dollar debt issuance to finance AI and data-center development reached $308 billion through July. And all that borrowing is competing with U.S. national debt, which crossed $40 trillion less than a month ago. Stocks, despite a rough few days, are still up roughly 11% this year. Inflation, meanwhile, remains above 3%.
Put all that heat together, and the Federal Reserve is staring down a question it hasn't seriously confronted in three years: Is the U.S. economy actually overheating? Markets are betting the Fed thinks the answer is at least "maybe." Traders have priced a quarter-point hike Wednesday with near certainty.
But whether Wednesday amounts to a one-time course correction or the beginning of a new tightening cycle depends on what, exactly, is making the American economy hot. The last time the Fed began raising rates, in March 2022, Jerome Powell's Fed ultimately raised its benchmark rate by 525 basis points over 16 months.
Mohamed El-Erian, Wharton professor of practice and chief economic adviser at Allianz, parsed the current fervor and anxiety into four questions on X Tuesday: whether oil-supply disruptions persist, with China potentially acting as a "swing consumer"; whether Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intervenes again to influence long-end yields; whether this week's hike proves "one and done" or the beginning of a cycle; and how markets balance AI's enormous promise against its enormous risks.
#secretary #federal #american
On Wednesday, Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh might effectively take the other side of the bet.
It's been a hot American summer. Oil is hot, hovering around $110 a barrel. Bond yields are hot, too: the 10-year Treasury yield has pushed above 5%, around its highest level since 2007. Credit markets are running hot as well: U.S.-dollar debt issuance to finance AI and data-center development reached $308 billion through July. And all that borrowing is competing with U.S. national debt, which crossed $40 trillion less than a month ago. Stocks, despite a rough few days, are still up roughly 11% this year. Inflation, meanwhile, remains above 3%.
Put all that heat together, and the Federal Reserve is staring down a question it hasn't seriously confronted in three years: Is the U.S. economy actually overheating? Markets are betting the Fed thinks the answer is at least "maybe." Traders have priced a quarter-point hike Wednesday with near certainty.
But whether Wednesday amounts to a one-time course correction or the beginning of a new tightening cycle depends on what, exactly, is making the American economy hot. The last time the Fed began raising rates, in March 2022, Jerome Powell's Fed ultimately raised its benchmark rate by 525 basis points over 16 months.
Mohamed El-Erian, Wharton professor of practice and chief economic adviser at Allianz, parsed the current fervor and anxiety into four questions on X Tuesday: whether oil-supply disruptions persist, with China potentially acting as a "swing consumer"; whether Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intervenes again to influence long-end yields; whether this week's hike proves "one and done" or the beginning of a cycle; and how markets balance AI's enormous promise against its enormous risks.
#secretary #federal #american
5 days ago
By Michael S. Derby
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Surging government bond yields are raising credit costs across the U.S. economy and could factor into Federal Reserve monetary policy deliberations, but ***** ysts see the central bank resisting any explicit call from the Trump administration to bail out the market.
The focus on the Fed's possible involvement comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has taken an unusually activist role in trying to tamp down rising yields he considers to be misaligned with the U.S. economic outlook.
Bessent's campaign, which saw the expansion of a key debt buyback operation last week, is foundering, as the 10-year Treasury note rose above 5% to its highest since 2007. He shrugged the move off as owing to "global issues" on Tuesday as he arrived for a congressional hearing.
Treasury's bond market travails are raising questions whether the Fed might be requested to buy government debt to reduce supply, which could cap or lower yields, in turn easing government and private sector borrowing costs.
#government #treasury #bond #debt
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Surging government bond yields are raising credit costs across the U.S. economy and could factor into Federal Reserve monetary policy deliberations, but ***** ysts see the central bank resisting any explicit call from the Trump administration to bail out the market.
The focus on the Fed's possible involvement comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has taken an unusually activist role in trying to tamp down rising yields he considers to be misaligned with the U.S. economic outlook.
Bessent's campaign, which saw the expansion of a key debt buyback operation last week, is foundering, as the 10-year Treasury note rose above 5% to its highest since 2007. He shrugged the move off as owing to "global issues" on Tuesday as he arrived for a congressional hearing.
Treasury's bond market travails are raising questions whether the Fed might be requested to buy government debt to reduce supply, which could cap or lower yields, in turn easing government and private sector borrowing costs.
#government #treasury #bond #debt
5 days ago
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) argued Wednesday that House GOP leaders sent the lower chamber home early because they found other Republicans in support of his push to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“The fact that they didn’t vote on it tells me that they did a whip check, and they probably found that there were some other Republicans, besides me, that were going to vote for this, or at least didn’t want to be on the record supporting Hegseth,” he told host Kaitlan Collins on CNN’s “The Source.”
The outgoing Kentucky libertarian, a frequent critic of President Trump, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Tuesday.
Massie accused Hegseth of violating his “oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” citing his handling of the Iran war and operations to kill alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
The GOP lawmaker, who lost his primary in May to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, also made his impeachment resolution privileged.
#hegseth #Trump #found #didn
“The fact that they didn’t vote on it tells me that they did a whip check, and they probably found that there were some other Republicans, besides me, that were going to vote for this, or at least didn’t want to be on the record supporting Hegseth,” he told host Kaitlan Collins on CNN’s “The Source.”
The outgoing Kentucky libertarian, a frequent critic of President Trump, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Tuesday.
Massie accused Hegseth of violating his “oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” citing his handling of the Iran war and operations to kill alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
The GOP lawmaker, who lost his primary in May to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, also made his impeachment resolution privileged.
#hegseth #Trump #found #didn
5 days ago
LAW AND ORDER: Kering has promoted Sophie Maddaloni, its longtime group tax director, to general secretary of the group, effective immediately.
Maddaloni, who is based in Paris, also joins Kering's executive committee and reports to Jean-Marc Duplaix, group chief operating officer.
More from WWD
Inside Kering's Caring for Women Dinner With Simone Biles, Salma Hayek Pinault, Julianne Moore and Colman Domingo
Caring for Women Dinner Returns for Fifth Edition
#dinner
Maddaloni, who is based in Paris, also joins Kering's executive committee and reports to Jean-Marc Duplaix, group chief operating officer.
More from WWD
Inside Kering's Caring for Women Dinner With Simone Biles, Salma Hayek Pinault, Julianne Moore and Colman Domingo
Caring for Women Dinner Returns for Fifth Edition
#dinner
6 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee said Wednesday that he's going to block a proposed sale of $2.8 billion in heavy weaponry to Israel over concerns that the powerful bombs may not be used in line with U.S. and international law.
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York said he would withhold approval for the sale because of "grave, unresolved concerns" about how these munitions could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
"The Trump administration has not provided sufficient ****** urances that these weapons will be used by the Netanyahu government in accordance with U.S. law and with appropriate protections for civilians," Meeks said in a statement. "I therefore will not clear this sale at this time."
Meeks' objections, however, will not likely affect the sale, which was informally notified to lawmakers on Tuesday. Once it is formally notified to Congress, Secretary of State Marco Rubio can bypass the normal congressional review process by making an emergency determination that the transaction is an urgent national security interest.
Rubio has done so in the past, including bypassing a normal congressional review process to approve a nearly $3 billion sale to Israel last year. The administration then approved a new series of arms sales to Israel totaling $6.67 billion in January.
#used
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York said he would withhold approval for the sale because of "grave, unresolved concerns" about how these munitions could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
"The Trump administration has not provided sufficient ****** urances that these weapons will be used by the Netanyahu government in accordance with U.S. law and with appropriate protections for civilians," Meeks said in a statement. "I therefore will not clear this sale at this time."
Meeks' objections, however, will not likely affect the sale, which was informally notified to lawmakers on Tuesday. Once it is formally notified to Congress, Secretary of State Marco Rubio can bypass the normal congressional review process by making an emergency determination that the transaction is an urgent national security interest.
Rubio has done so in the past, including bypassing a normal congressional review process to approve a nearly $3 billion sale to Israel last year. The administration then approved a new series of arms sales to Israel totaling $6.67 billion in January.
#used
6 days ago
The Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, announced on Wednesday that he would again cancel votes scheduled for Thursday, sending lawmakers home one day early ahead of the midterm election recess.
The latest change to the legislative schedule means House members will avoid voting on Republican Thomas Massie's resolution to impeach the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and comes amid a frenzied attempt to propose legislation on artificial intelligence.
It's the latest round of cancellations at the hands of Johnson, who had already cut the pre-election session short by two weeks. Democrats have reacted angrily, encouraging Johnson to keep lawmakers on Capitol Hill before the midterm recess beginning on Friday.
Related: More Republicans are turning on Iran war as midterms come into view
"I think it shows the cowardice of the Republican party. They are canceling votes to do business for the American people because they are afraid that that impeachment resolution of Pete Hegseth would pass on a bipartisan basis," the Democratic representative Pramila Jayapal told MediasTouch.
#votes #election
The latest change to the legislative schedule means House members will avoid voting on Republican Thomas Massie's resolution to impeach the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and comes amid a frenzied attempt to propose legislation on artificial intelligence.
It's the latest round of cancellations at the hands of Johnson, who had already cut the pre-election session short by two weeks. Democrats have reacted angrily, encouraging Johnson to keep lawmakers on Capitol Hill before the midterm recess beginning on Friday.
Related: More Republicans are turning on Iran war as midterms come into view
"I think it shows the cowardice of the Republican party. They are canceling votes to do business for the American people because they are afraid that that impeachment resolution of Pete Hegseth would pass on a bipartisan basis," the Democratic representative Pramila Jayapal told MediasTouch.
#votes #election
6 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is stripping tens of millions of dollars in U.S. military ******* istance from countries in Europe and the Middle East to support conservative-leaning governments in Central and South America.
The State Department on Tuesday notified Congress that it will reprogram $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru last week and pledged to them additional support as the Trump administration has prioritized the Western Hemisphere in its foreign policy with an emphasis on combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
It is just the latest in a series of moves that have reduced either money or troop deployments to Europe in response to President Donald Trump's complaints about NATO allies not spending enough on their defense budgets and other matters. Both North Macedonia and Slovakia are NATO members.
But it also comes as the administration has put particular attention on the Western Hemisphere, aligning deeply with right-wing governments as Trump celebrates a renewal of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine establishing Washington's dominance in the Americas.
#Trump #Europe #slovakia
The State Department on Tuesday notified Congress that it will reprogram $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru last week and pledged to them additional support as the Trump administration has prioritized the Western Hemisphere in its foreign policy with an emphasis on combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
It is just the latest in a series of moves that have reduced either money or troop deployments to Europe in response to President Donald Trump's complaints about NATO allies not spending enough on their defense budgets and other matters. Both North Macedonia and Slovakia are NATO members.
But it also comes as the administration has put particular attention on the Western Hemisphere, aligning deeply with right-wing governments as Trump celebrates a renewal of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine establishing Washington's dominance in the Americas.
#Trump #Europe #slovakia
6 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in ******* e, a remarkable revelation after previous warnings about countries such as Russia possibly weaponizing a global frontier long agreed in treaties to be used for only peaceful purposes.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Monday that the U.S. has fielded "on-orbit ******* e control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action."
Meink did not detail what the weapons were, how they work or if they were targeting other objects in ******* e or on Earth. The U.S. had warned two years ago that Russia was developing a new ******* e-based, anti-satellite weapon, though the White House said the danger wasn't imminent at the time.
But reports of the anti-satellite weapon reflected longstanding worries about ******* e threats from Russia and China, given that much U.S. infrastructure is dependent on satellite communications. The U.S. has also previously demonstrated its own abilities to shoot down satellites from Earth.
In his remarks to the Air and ******* e Forces ******* ociation's Air, ******* e & Cyber Conference, Meink also said the Air Force was adding more autonomous systems to its capabilities and predicted the service would look "radically different" by 2032. For example, he foresaw one-way attack drones replacing artillery as the "primary killer."
#space #earth
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Monday that the U.S. has fielded "on-orbit ******* e control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action."
Meink did not detail what the weapons were, how they work or if they were targeting other objects in ******* e or on Earth. The U.S. had warned two years ago that Russia was developing a new ******* e-based, anti-satellite weapon, though the White House said the danger wasn't imminent at the time.
But reports of the anti-satellite weapon reflected longstanding worries about ******* e threats from Russia and China, given that much U.S. infrastructure is dependent on satellite communications. The U.S. has also previously demonstrated its own abilities to shoot down satellites from Earth.
In his remarks to the Air and ******* e Forces ******* ociation's Air, ******* e & Cyber Conference, Meink also said the Air Force was adding more autonomous systems to its capabilities and predicted the service would look "radically different" by 2032. For example, he foresaw one-way attack drones replacing artillery as the "primary killer."
#space #earth
6 days ago
By Michael S. Derby
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Surging government bond yields are raising credit costs across the U.S. economy and could factor into Federal Reserve monetary policy deliberations, but **** ysts see the central bank resisting any explicit call from the Trump administration to bail out the market.
The focus on the Fed's possible involvement comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has taken an unusually activist role in trying to tamp down rising yields he considers to be misaligned with the U.S. economic outlook.
Bessent's campaign, which saw the expansion of a key debt buyback operation last week, is foundering, as the 10-year Treasury note rose above 5% to its highest since 2007. He shrugged the move off as owing to "global issues" on Tuesday as he arrived for a congressional hearing.
Treasury's bond market travails are raising questions whether the Fed might be requested to buy government debt to reduce supply, which could cap or lower yields, in turn easing government and private sector borrowing costs.
#costs
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Surging government bond yields are raising credit costs across the U.S. economy and could factor into Federal Reserve monetary policy deliberations, but **** ysts see the central bank resisting any explicit call from the Trump administration to bail out the market.
The focus on the Fed's possible involvement comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has taken an unusually activist role in trying to tamp down rising yields he considers to be misaligned with the U.S. economic outlook.
Bessent's campaign, which saw the expansion of a key debt buyback operation last week, is foundering, as the 10-year Treasury note rose above 5% to its highest since 2007. He shrugged the move off as owing to "global issues" on Tuesday as he arrived for a congressional hearing.
Treasury's bond market travails are raising questions whether the Fed might be requested to buy government debt to reduce supply, which could cap or lower yields, in turn easing government and private sector borrowing costs.
#costs
8 days ago
Ron Paul is urging Americans to swap cash for gold coins.
In a recent interview with Kitco News, the former U.S. representative had some choice words about Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's handling of the current bond crisis, which he sees as a reason everyone should stock up on gold ASAP.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake. Here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
The tax breaks in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' expire after 2028. Here are 4 moves to make before the window closes
#scott
In a recent interview with Kitco News, the former U.S. representative had some choice words about Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's handling of the current bond crisis, which he sees as a reason everyone should stock up on gold ASAP.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake. Here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
The tax breaks in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' expire after 2028. Here are 4 moves to make before the window closes
#scott
8 days ago
King Charles appears to have helped clear up a royal misunderstanding surrounding Prince Harry's Invictus Games. Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from the 2027 event after a phone call involving Buckingham Palace. The switch comes just days after Uganda's military chief said the country would stay away out of respect for King Charles. Now, the team is back in.
Uganda's military announced the reversal on Sept. 14. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba approved the Uganda People's Defence Forces' participation in the Invictus Games 2027 after speaking with Sir Clive Alderton.
Alderton serves as Principal Private Secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla. The official Ugandan statement said the two men spoke by phone before Kainerugaba reinstated the team.
ITV News reported that Alderton told Kainerugaba the King was "moved" by his consideration of the monarch's position. However, King Charles had "no problem" with Uganda competing and encouraged the country to continue.
That clarification resolved an unusual dispute. Kainerugaba announced Uganda's withdrawal on Sept. 9 because he did not want participation interpreted as opposition to King Charles. He also said Uganda would not join anything without the monarch's approval.
#king #charles #invictus #military
Uganda's military announced the reversal on Sept. 14. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba approved the Uganda People's Defence Forces' participation in the Invictus Games 2027 after speaking with Sir Clive Alderton.
Alderton serves as Principal Private Secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla. The official Ugandan statement said the two men spoke by phone before Kainerugaba reinstated the team.
ITV News reported that Alderton told Kainerugaba the King was "moved" by his consideration of the monarch's position. However, King Charles had "no problem" with Uganda competing and encouraged the country to continue.
That clarification resolved an unusual dispute. Kainerugaba announced Uganda's withdrawal on Sept. 9 because he did not want participation interpreted as opposition to King Charles. He also said Uganda would not join anything without the monarch's approval.
#king #charles #invictus #military
8 days ago
The King has stepped in to help reinstate Uganda's participation in Prince Harry's Invictus Games after the country withdrew from the tournament.
Charles, 77, was "moved" by General Kainerugaba's consideration of his opinion and encouraged the chief to proceed with preparations for the country's participation in the games, according to Sir Clive Alderton, the King and Queen's principal private secretary.
The General has now approved participation in the upcoming Games, which was founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014 and will next be held in 2027 in Birmingham, following a telephone phone call with Sir Clive, it was revealed on Monday.
Chris Magezi, the spokesperson for Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), wrote on social media: "The decision follows a telephone conversation between General Kainerugaba and the Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable Sir Clive Alderton K.C.V.O."
King Charles has stepped in to help out Prince Harry (@ Samir Hussein/WireImage)
#participation #charles #majesty
Charles, 77, was "moved" by General Kainerugaba's consideration of his opinion and encouraged the chief to proceed with preparations for the country's participation in the games, according to Sir Clive Alderton, the King and Queen's principal private secretary.
The General has now approved participation in the upcoming Games, which was founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014 and will next be held in 2027 in Birmingham, following a telephone phone call with Sir Clive, it was revealed on Monday.
Chris Magezi, the spokesperson for Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), wrote on social media: "The decision follows a telephone conversation between General Kainerugaba and the Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable Sir Clive Alderton K.C.V.O."
King Charles has stepped in to help out Prince Harry (@ Samir Hussein/WireImage)
#participation #charles #majesty
10 days ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
The Treasury Department's $6 billion bond buyback, an effort to stem rising yields, fell far short of expectations Thursday. The repurchase of government debt led to Treasury yields continuing to climb, with the 10-year note topping a three-year high. Potential home buyers and refinancers hoping for some mortgage rate relief instead saw rates creep toward, and in some reports, top 7%.
Yields were mixed Friday, with the 10-year Treasury remaining just below 5%.
In an interview Thursday evening with conservative strategist Steve Bannon on "War Room," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disputed the talk that the buyback program failed.
"This whole nonsense today that our operation didn't work — well, our operation didn't work, because we only had $10 billion of offers for our buyback program," Bessent said. "Normally, we get $20 billion, and we only buy the bonds back cheap. People seem to want to keep their long-term bonds, because we only had half as many offers. So, it's a bunch of noise, and in my career, I made money ignoring the noise."
#yields #offers #year
The Treasury Department's $6 billion bond buyback, an effort to stem rising yields, fell far short of expectations Thursday. The repurchase of government debt led to Treasury yields continuing to climb, with the 10-year note topping a three-year high. Potential home buyers and refinancers hoping for some mortgage rate relief instead saw rates creep toward, and in some reports, top 7%.
Yields were mixed Friday, with the 10-year Treasury remaining just below 5%.
In an interview Thursday evening with conservative strategist Steve Bannon on "War Room," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disputed the talk that the buyback program failed.
"This whole nonsense today that our operation didn't work — well, our operation didn't work, because we only had $10 billion of offers for our buyback program," Bessent said. "Normally, we get $20 billion, and we only buy the bonds back cheap. People seem to want to keep their long-term bonds, because we only had half as many offers. So, it's a bunch of noise, and in my career, I made money ignoring the noise."
#yields #offers #year
10 days ago
Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, a Republican, is asking President Donald Trump to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania" following similar renaming efforts by the president.
Maloney is preparing a resolution calling on Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to take steps to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania," arguing that the change is needed to reflect the lake's modern identity.
"This is Pennsylvania's only Great Lake. Its modern economy and identity are increasingly tied to the boaters, anglers, families and tourists who come to enjoy it," Maloney said in a statement. "Ohio has plenty of shoreline. New York already has two Great Lakes. Canada has four others."
New York Gov Hochul Rejects Trump's 'Lake America' Renaming With Blunt Message
Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, a Republican, is asking President Donald Trump to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania."
#republican
Maloney is preparing a resolution calling on Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to take steps to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania," arguing that the change is needed to reflect the lake's modern identity.
"This is Pennsylvania's only Great Lake. Its modern economy and identity are increasingly tied to the boaters, anglers, families and tourists who come to enjoy it," Maloney said in a statement. "Ohio has plenty of shoreline. New York already has two Great Lakes. Canada has four others."
New York Gov Hochul Rejects Trump's 'Lake America' Renaming With Blunt Message
Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, a Republican, is asking President Donald Trump to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania."
#republican
11 days ago
By Mike Dolan
Sept 10 (Reuters) - Energy and bond markets are on edge once again after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran war would not end until after November's midterm elections. That came amid the most intense attacks on Gulf shipping in the conflict so far.
Meanwhile, markets await a likely European Central Bank interest rate rise and the first of the week's U.S. inflation updates on Thursday, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's bond buyback salvo appeared to flop after details of the operation disappointed.
Crude oil closed at its highest level since late May above $100 per barrel on Wednesday, and 10-year Treasury yields hit their highest in three years, fast homing in on the 5% milestone.
That came after a wave of ***** -for-tat attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, the biggest since the Iran war started six months ago. Meantime, a planned $6 billion buyback of longer-dated bonds on Thursday disappointed some investors who had wanted more.
#thursday #attacks #buyback
Sept 10 (Reuters) - Energy and bond markets are on edge once again after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran war would not end until after November's midterm elections. That came amid the most intense attacks on Gulf shipping in the conflict so far.
Meanwhile, markets await a likely European Central Bank interest rate rise and the first of the week's U.S. inflation updates on Thursday, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's bond buyback salvo appeared to flop after details of the operation disappointed.
Crude oil closed at its highest level since late May above $100 per barrel on Wednesday, and 10-year Treasury yields hit their highest in three years, fast homing in on the 5% milestone.
That came after a wave of ***** -for-tat attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, the biggest since the Iran war started six months ago. Meantime, a planned $6 billion buyback of longer-dated bonds on Thursday disappointed some investors who had wanted more.
#thursday #attacks #buyback
11 days ago
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she hated the governments and policies of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but said she loved America and Israel during an interview Thursday.
"I have said repeatedly I love Israel and I hate Netanyahu's government and his policies. I love America, and I hate Trump's government and policies. I think it's bad, in the first case for Israel, what's happening, and I think it's really bad for the United States, what's happening," Clinton told MS NOW's "Morning Joe."
Clinton spoke to the MS NOW panel about Israel and achieving peace in the Middle East.
Hillary Clinton Breaks With Democratic Critics By Backing Trump's Gaza Plan As The 'Only Game In Town'
Hillary Clinton said she hated the governments of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview on "Morning Joe," Sept. 10, 2026.
#president #Trump #prime
"I have said repeatedly I love Israel and I hate Netanyahu's government and his policies. I love America, and I hate Trump's government and policies. I think it's bad, in the first case for Israel, what's happening, and I think it's really bad for the United States, what's happening," Clinton told MS NOW's "Morning Joe."
Clinton spoke to the MS NOW panel about Israel and achieving peace in the Middle East.
Hillary Clinton Breaks With Democratic Critics By Backing Trump's Gaza Plan As The 'Only Game In Town'
Hillary Clinton said she hated the governments of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview on "Morning Joe," Sept. 10, 2026.
#president #Trump #prime
11 days ago
The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday that it plans to buy $6 billion of government debt this week as part of an effort to reduce long-term borrowing costs and maintain liquidity in the bond market. The buyback operation, which triples the normal level of $2 billion per week, will continue at a higher level moving forward, Treasury said, with at least $4 billion in debt purchased each week for the next few months, and perhaps longer.
This week's buyback, which is scheduled for Thursday, will focus on 10- and 20-year Treasury bonds. Yields have been rising on those bonds, along with other durations, as investors confront the reality of persistent inflation, massive investment in artificial intelligence and rising government debt levels around the world.
Treasury Secretary Bessent said Tuesday that the buyback operation is intended to reduce the "fever that was building" in the bond markets.
The markets did not respond as hoped. Treasury yields rose after the announcement Wednesday, with the yield on long-duration bonds rising as much as 5 basis points in volatile trading, though yields fell back in later trading.
"It doesn't seem like the patient's feeling much better," Adam Josephson of Sakonnet Research wrote in a note, per Investopedia.
#week #rising #government
This week's buyback, which is scheduled for Thursday, will focus on 10- and 20-year Treasury bonds. Yields have been rising on those bonds, along with other durations, as investors confront the reality of persistent inflation, massive investment in artificial intelligence and rising government debt levels around the world.
Treasury Secretary Bessent said Tuesday that the buyback operation is intended to reduce the "fever that was building" in the bond markets.
The markets did not respond as hoped. Treasury yields rose after the announcement Wednesday, with the yield on long-duration bonds rising as much as 5 basis points in volatile trading, though yields fell back in later trading.
"It doesn't seem like the patient's feeling much better," Adam Josephson of Sakonnet Research wrote in a note, per Investopedia.
#week #rising #government
11 days ago
Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor once faced unexpected resistance from a royal family aide. Despite losing his prince **** le and royal honors, the palace staffer's actions reportedly left the disgraced royal shocked. King Charles later revoked Prince Andrew's royal status as the monarchy faced continued backlash over his ties to convicted **** offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Former Buckingham Palace press secretary **** ie Arbiter has recalled a never-before-heard clash with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
During his appearance on the Daily Expresso podcast, Arbiter revealed that he rejected one of Andrew's demands during a royal garden party. He later hung up on the ex-prince after the ousted royal slammed the phone down on him.
The episode unfolded at Buckingham Palace during the Lambeth Conference, the decennial summit of Anglican bishops. Around 100 clergy in crimson robes were in attendance when Andrew rang Arbiter with an idea for a picture.
The former palace official shared, "He phoned me up one day during a garden party at Buckingham Palace and said, 'Get some chairs out because I've got a good idea for a photograph.' There were about 100 priests in their crimson frocks at the garden party, and he thought it would make a good picture of the Queen with all the clergy around her. I just said, 'No, it's not your garden party.'"
#palace #buckingham #party #mountbatten
Former Buckingham Palace press secretary **** ie Arbiter has recalled a never-before-heard clash with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
During his appearance on the Daily Expresso podcast, Arbiter revealed that he rejected one of Andrew's demands during a royal garden party. He later hung up on the ex-prince after the ousted royal slammed the phone down on him.
The episode unfolded at Buckingham Palace during the Lambeth Conference, the decennial summit of Anglican bishops. Around 100 clergy in crimson robes were in attendance when Andrew rang Arbiter with an idea for a picture.
The former palace official shared, "He phoned me up one day during a garden party at Buckingham Palace and said, 'Get some chairs out because I've got a good idea for a photograph.' There were about 100 priests in their crimson frocks at the garden party, and he thought it would make a good picture of the Queen with all the clergy around her. I just said, 'No, it's not your garden party.'"
#palace #buckingham #party #mountbatten
11 days ago
Nvidia (NVDA) Jensen Huang was seated next to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on a G20 stage on Sept. 2, recalling the first time the two of them met, when he put a number on what the world is about to spend. "You recognize that the infrastructure buildout is not going to be in the tens of billions, but is going to be in the tens of trillions," Huang said. "That supply chain security is going to be necessary."
The venue was the US-hosted G20 innovation ministerial in Chapel Hill, NC, and the chief executive was in a fireside conversation with the Commerce secretary. Sam Altman appeared at the same event. The exchange was carried live and the "tens of trillions" line went out the same afternoon across the wires.
What It Means for MSFT Stock Investors as Microsoft Switches to 2 Business Segments
RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ***** e
Ahead of Oracle Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for ORCL Stock
#next #trillions
The venue was the US-hosted G20 innovation ministerial in Chapel Hill, NC, and the chief executive was in a fireside conversation with the Commerce secretary. Sam Altman appeared at the same event. The exchange was carried live and the "tens of trillions" line went out the same afternoon across the wires.
What It Means for MSFT Stock Investors as Microsoft Switches to 2 Business Segments
RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ***** e
Ahead of Oracle Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for ORCL Stock
#next #trillions
11 days ago
US stocks fell for a third day in a row on Wednesday as oil prices continued to rise and Treasury yields jumped after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed new bond buyback plans.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) lost nearly 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) fell 0.6%, extending losses after a downbeat session on Tuesday. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) fell by roughly 0.5%.
The 10-year yield (^TNX) rose 3 basis points to 4.83%, its highest level since October 2023, as the market reacted negatively to Bessent's announcement that the Treasury Department intends to triple its next bond buyback program in an effort to curb rising borrowing costs.
Oil prices reached triple digits for the first time in over a month after fighting between the US and Iran escalated and the US struck five Iranian oil tankers. Brent crude oil futures (BZ=F), the global benchmark, traded at $101 per barrel, while US benchmark WTI crude (CL=F) climbed to $96 per barrel.
Concerns that energy supply disruptions stemming from the war in the Strait of Hormuz will persist fed into bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week. Traders now see a 60% chance of a 25 basis point hike this month, according to CME Group, up slightly from the odds a day ago.
#bond #triple
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) lost nearly 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) fell 0.6%, extending losses after a downbeat session on Tuesday. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) fell by roughly 0.5%.
The 10-year yield (^TNX) rose 3 basis points to 4.83%, its highest level since October 2023, as the market reacted negatively to Bessent's announcement that the Treasury Department intends to triple its next bond buyback program in an effort to curb rising borrowing costs.
Oil prices reached triple digits for the first time in over a month after fighting between the US and Iran escalated and the US struck five Iranian oil tankers. Brent crude oil futures (BZ=F), the global benchmark, traded at $101 per barrel, while US benchmark WTI crude (CL=F) climbed to $96 per barrel.
Concerns that energy supply disruptions stemming from the war in the Strait of Hormuz will persist fed into bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week. Traders now see a 60% chance of a 25 basis point hike this month, according to CME Group, up slightly from the odds a day ago.
#bond #triple
11 days ago
The dollar index (DXY00) recovered from a 2.5-week low on Wednesday and finished up by +0.06%. The dollar found support on Wednesday after WTI crude oil surged +3 % to a 3.25-month high, boosting inflation expectations and potentially persuading the Fed to tighten monetary policy. Also, short covering emerged in the dollar on Wednesday after the US Treasury announced it would purchase $6 billion of long-term US government debt securities on Thursday, below expectations of $10 billion. In addition, Wednesday's increase in the 10-year T-note yield to a 2.75-year high of 4.85% has strengthened the dollar's interest rate differentials.
The dollar initially moved lower on Wednesday amid strength in the yen after US Treasury Secretary Bessent challenged traders to test his resolve on strengthening the yen.
Dollar Slips on **** anese Yen Strength
AT&T Offers $10K Reward for Tips as Cable Theft Soars Alongside Copper Prices
Dollar Slips Before the Treasury's Buyback Operation
#wednesday #treasury #billion #dxy00
The dollar initially moved lower on Wednesday amid strength in the yen after US Treasury Secretary Bessent challenged traders to test his resolve on strengthening the yen.
Dollar Slips on **** anese Yen Strength
AT&T Offers $10K Reward for Tips as Cable Theft Soars Alongside Copper Prices
Dollar Slips Before the Treasury's Buyback Operation
#wednesday #treasury #billion #dxy00
11 days ago
The Treasury Department on Wednesday revealed that it will buy back up as much as $6 billion in longer-dated U.S. debt in an operation this week.
The agency's Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced that it will purchase up to $6 billion in 10-year notes and 20-year bonds in an operation. The securities that will be bought in the operation, which is scheduled to occur from 1:40 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, have maturity dates ranging from February 2037 and August 2046.
The buybacks follow Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement that Treasury's buyback operations would be at least $4 billion until early November, an increase from the $2 billion that the agency would typically buy back in an operation.
Yields on Treasurys have been elevated in recent years due to stubborn inflation, which has been exacerbated by the Iran war and has caused interest rates to rise further.
Bessent Says Treasury Auctions Will Continue As Usual Despite Expanded Buyback Program
#buyback #back #year #fiscal
The agency's Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced that it will purchase up to $6 billion in 10-year notes and 20-year bonds in an operation. The securities that will be bought in the operation, which is scheduled to occur from 1:40 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, have maturity dates ranging from February 2037 and August 2046.
The buybacks follow Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement that Treasury's buyback operations would be at least $4 billion until early November, an increase from the $2 billion that the agency would typically buy back in an operation.
Yields on Treasurys have been elevated in recent years due to stubborn inflation, which has been exacerbated by the Iran war and has caused interest rates to rise further.
Bessent Says Treasury Auctions Will Continue As Usual Despite Expanded Buyback Program
#buyback #back #year #fiscal
