Elon Musk calls Trump's big bill ‘utterly insane and destructive' as senate debates
The billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on Saturday criticized the latest version of Donald Trump's sprawling tax and spending bill, calling it 'utterly insane and destructive.
'The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!' Musk wrote on Saturday as the Senate was scheduled to call a vote to open debate on the nearly 1,000-page bill.
'Utterly insane and destructive,' Musk added. 'It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future.'
Passing the package, Musk said, would be 'political suicide for the Republican Party.'
Musk's comment reopens a recent fiery conflict between the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and the administration he recently left. They also represent yet another headache for Republican Senate leaders who have spent the weekend working overtime to get the legislation through their chamber so it can pass by Trump's Fourth of July deadline.
Earlier this month, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO also came out against the House version of Trump's 'big, beautiful bill', denouncing that proposal as a 'disgusting abomination'.
'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it, he wrote at the time.
Musk's forceful denouncement of Trump's spending plans triggered a deep and public rift between the billionaire and the president, though Musk in recent weeks has been working to mend relations.
On Saturday, Musk posted a series of disparaging comments about the senate version of the bill, which argued the legislation would undermine US investments in renewable energy.
Musk boosted several comments from Jesse Jenkins, a macro-scale energy systems engineer who teaches at Princeton.
After Jenkins wrote, 'The energy provisions in the Republicans' One Big Horrible Bill are truly so bad! Who wants this? The country's automakers don't want it. Electric utilities don't want it. Data center developers don't want it. Manufacturers in energy intensive industries don't want it.' Musk replied: 'Good question. Who?'
Musk's continued criticism of Trump's budget proposals comes as the bill faces a rocky path in the senate. Republicans are hoping to use their majorities to overcome Democratic opposition, but several Republican senators are concerned over provisions that would reduce spending on Medicaid and food stamps to help cover the cost of extending Trump's tax breaks. Meanwhile, fiscal conservatives are worried about the nation's debt are pushing for steeper cuts.
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Geeky Gadgets
41 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Your iPhone Just Got Smarter: 14 Powerful Apple Intelligence Shortcuts in iOS 26.
Apple's iOS 26 introduces a sophisticated suite of shortcuts powered by Apple Intelligence, combining on-device and cloud-based machine learning to deliver a seamless and efficient user experience. These tools are designed to enhance productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and simplify everyday workflows. Whether you're summarizing content, analyzing images, or working offline, these shortcuts demonstrate the practical potential of AI in improving daily activities. Unlike other AI tools such as ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence stands out with its faster processing, enhanced reliability, and extensive customization options. The video below from Stephen Robles gives us a look at these awesome Shortcuts in iOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features of iOS 26 Shortcuts The iOS 26 shortcuts are designed to address a wide range of user needs, offering practical and innovative solutions for various tasks. Below are some of the most impactful features: Recipe Extraction: Automatically extract recipes from social media posts and organize them in Apple Notes for quick and easy access. Automatically extract recipes from social media posts and organize them in Apple Notes for quick and easy access. Visual Intelligence: Use image recognition to analyze photos, such as book pages or objects, and generate actionable insights. Use image recognition to analyze photos, such as book pages or objects, and generate actionable insights. RSS Feed Summaries: Summarize articles from RSS feeds with customizable prompts tailored to your preferences. Summarize articles from RSS feeds with customizable prompts tailored to your preferences. PDF Summarization: Extract and summarize content from PDFs using on-device models, making sure offline functionality and protecting your data privacy. Extract and summarize content from PDFs using on-device models, making sure offline functionality and protecting your data privacy. Book Notes: Capture photos of book pages, summarize key points, and organize them into structured notes for future reference. Capture photos of book pages, summarize key points, and organize them into structured notes for future reference. Weather Alerts: Set alarms and receive notifications based on specific weather conditions, such as high temperatures or storms. Set alarms and receive notifications based on specific weather conditions, such as high temperatures or storms. Movie Search: Search for movies, retrieve streaming options, and generate detailed notes with links, posters, and summaries. Search for movies, retrieve streaming options, and generate detailed notes with links, posters, and summaries. Sports Schedules: Parse team schedules from websites and display upcoming game details in an organized format. Parse team schedules from websites and display upcoming game details in an organized format. YouTube Content Creation: Generate optimized titles, descriptions, and tags for YouTube videos using AI-driven models to enhance visibility. Generate optimized titles, descriptions, and tags for YouTube videos using AI-driven models to enhance visibility. Daily Podcast Workflow: Summarize articles from RSS feeds to create podcast scripts and notes, streamlining content creation processes. Summarize articles from RSS feeds to create podcast scripts and notes, streamlining content creation processes. Brainstorming Tool: Convert dictated text into summarized notes, highlighting key points for quick and efficient reference. These features showcase the versatility of iOS 26 shortcuts, offering tools that cater to both personal and professional needs. Offline Functionality and Customization One of the standout aspects of Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 is its robust offline functionality. By using on-device machine learning models, tasks such as PDF summarization, recipe extraction, and image recognition can be performed without requiring an internet connection. This ensures faster processing, greater reliability, and enhanced data privacy, making it a practical solution for users who prioritize security and efficiency. In addition to offline capabilities, the shortcuts are highly customizable. Users can tailor workflows to suit their specific needs, whether it's adjusting prompts for RSS feed summaries or modifying automation steps for unique tasks. This flexibility enables users to create personalized solutions that align with their goals, allowing them to maximize the potential of these tools. How Apple Intelligence Compares to Other AI Tools When compared to other AI tools like ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence offers several distinct advantages. Its on-device models provide faster response times and eliminate the need for constant reliance on cloud services. For instance, tasks such as summarizing a PDF or extracting key points from a book page can be completed entirely offline, making sure uninterrupted functionality even in areas with limited connectivity. For more complex tasks, Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates cloud-based models, offering a hybrid approach that balances speed, privacy, and flexibility. This dual capability allows users to choose the most effective method for their specific requirements. By combining the strengths of on-device and cloud-based processing, Apple Intelligence delivers a versatile and reliable toolset that caters to a variety of scenarios. Boosting Productivity with AI-Driven Shortcuts The iOS 26 shortcuts are designed to simplify complex tasks and improve efficiency across different user groups, making them valuable for content creators, students, and professionals alike. These tools not only save time but also reduce the cognitive load associated with repetitive tasks, allowing users to focus on more strategic or creative activities. For example: The YouTube content creation shortcut generates optimized titles, descriptions, and tags, saving time and improving the visibility of uploaded videos. generates optimized titles, descriptions, and tags, saving time and improving the visibility of uploaded videos. The podcast workflow automation tool transforms RSS feed summaries into ready-to-use scripts, streamlining the production process for podcasters. transforms RSS feed summaries into ready-to-use scripts, streamlining the production process for podcasters. The recipe extraction and book note features help organize information, making it easier to access and use later for personal or professional purposes. By automating these tasks, users can achieve greater productivity and focus on activities that require critical thinking or creativity. The shortcuts are designed to integrate seamlessly into daily routines, offering practical solutions that enhance both efficiency and convenience. Transforming Everyday Tasks with iOS 26 The iOS 26 Apple Intelligence shortcuts represent a significant step forward in AI-driven automation. From recipe extraction and PDF summarization to weather alerts and YouTube content optimization, these tools demonstrate the practical applications of machine learning in everyday life. With their robust offline functionality, faster processing, and customizable workflows, these shortcuts set a new standard for AI-powered productivity tools. Whether you're organizing notes, creating content, or staying informed, the iOS 26 shortcuts provide practical, user-friendly solutions tailored to your needs. By combining advanced technology with intuitive design, Apple Intelligence enables users to work smarter, not harder, in an increasingly fast-paced world. Expand your understanding of iOS 26 with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Source & Image Credit: Stephen Robles Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Why France's top power couple is making political waves
They are arguably France's top power couple. Lea Salamé, 45, the co-host of the country's top morning radio news show for 11 years, has just been picked to anchor the evening TV news on state-run France 2 – the equivalent of BBC News at Ten. Her partner Raphael Glucksmann, a centre-Left heavyweight, also 45, is limbering up to be a presidential contender. On Monday, he presented his 'vision for France', a 42-point plan to 'regenerate democracy 'and 'de-monarchise' the country when Emmanuel Macron's second, and final, term comes to an end in 2027. The high-profile pair has shone a fresh spotlight on the (some would say cosy) relationship between French politicians and political journalists, which has given rise to a string of romances over the years and continues to raise eyebrows over potential conflicts of interest. The sudden focus on their relationship comes as the race to succeed Mr Macron – whose presidency is increasingly rudderless domestically – is heating up, with several potential presidential candidates showing their colours in recent days. Mr Glucksmann, an MEP and darling of bourgeois bohemian Left-wing moderates and Greens, emerged as a possible national leader last June after a strong showing in the European Parliament elections. His Socialist-backed Place Publique came third, almost overtaking Mr Macron's Renaissance party. Jordan Bardella's hard-Right National Rally finished way out in front. The staunch European federalist and Russia critic has since urged the French Left to jettison ties with Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the radical Left-wing firebrand, and return to its moderate, social democratic roots. The ambitious power duo's sudden surge in media prominence has sparked questions over whether they can both keep their jobs in the coming months. Aymeric Caron, an MP allied with Mr Mélenchon's France Unbowed party, said that while he respected Ms Salamé as a journalist, 'her partner is a politician who wants to play a leading role, yet the [evening] news offers us an interpretation of events and society with a hierarchy of information and political interviews. I wonder how this mix will work in terms of public service.' Antoine Chuzeville, a French national union of journalists (SNJ) rep at France Télévisions, a state broadcaster, added: 'If [Me Glucksmann] finds himself in a major controversy in early September, it will be very complicated for her.' However, he told Gala magazine the French were now used to such situations, pointing to the so-called 'Anne Sinclair precedent'. Ms Sinclair was France's best-known female political chat show host when she became romantically attached to former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn in 1988. She withdrew from the 7/7 show in 1997 when he took up his finance ministry post to avoid a conflict of interest. DSK, as he was known, later saw his presidential ambitions scuppered when he was arrested in New York in 2011 on sexual abuse charges of a hotel maid, charges that were later dropped. Quizzed on Monday, Mr Glucksmann promised: 'The issue will be decided in a completely transparent manner that will avoid any conflict of interest. She is she, and I am me. It's 2025, and I couldn't imagine discussing with her whether she should or shouldn't do something so important for her career because we are involved in a political process. 'So, things are out in the open, transparent, very clear.' Ms Salamé said she could withdraw from her job if Mr Glucksmann officially threw down the presidential gauntlet, but that the French were now mature enough to accept they both had high-flying jobs they could keep separate: 'Times have changed, and the French, including politicians, are much more feminist than one might think.' Media interest in the couple came as the 'pre-campaign' for the French presidency is starting to gather pace despite two years remaining in Mr Macron's second five-year term. The centrist French president lost his absolute majority in disastrous snap legislative elections last June that neutered his domestic powers. Not only that but the results left a deeply divided parliament and since then a string of prime ministers have been unable to make headway amid the constant threat of no-confidence motions. After a year in limbo, Mr Macron could theoretically now call fresh elections. Alain Duhamel, one of France's highest-profile political analysts, told The Telegraph: 'There's uncertainty about how long the government will last, and since Macron is regaining his power of dissolution, there's a certain amount of uncertainty about what might happen in the next, let's say four or five months. 'And from this point of view, some people are saying, now's the time to make a move before the political scene changes again, so let's make a mark.' Against this backdrop, Mr Glucksmann is the second potential candidate to test the waters this week. Dominique de Villepin, Jacques Chirac's swashbuckling foreign minister who famously said 'non' to the US-led war in Iraq war at the UN in 2003, launched his own Humanist France party and released a book – de rigueur for French presidential hopefuls – called The Power To Say No. Nouvel Obs, a French news magazine, said the title was 'misleading' as it really meant ''yes' to a presidential candidacy in 2027'. The 71-year-old Napoleon fan, who has never held elected office and harks from the centre-Right, has launched a phoenix-style comeback largely sparked by the Israel-Gaza conflict. His defence of the Palestinian cause and De Gaulle-style pro-Arab stance has seen him become an unlikely hero of the radical Left. He was recently mobbed at the Fete de l'Huma, an annual Communist bash organised by L'Humanité, a far-Left newspaper. His central tenet is to unite the French in the defence of 'social justice and republican order'. Mr Villepin argues that France needs an impartial and experienced statesman in a world 'entering the age of the new despots' who believe 'freedom is a luxury that today's world can no longer afford'. His panache and diplomatic credentials have seen him surprisingly crowned France's most popular political figure for the second straight month. However, in terms of voter intentions, he is languishing at the 2.5-5 per cent mark. 'De Villepin has alienated all Right-wing voters, and those on the Left like him but will never vote for him,' a senior member of the conservative Republicans party told Valeurs Actuelles. 'For the moment, he only talks about international issues. The day he ventures into economic issues, the honeymoon will quickly come to an end.' Further Left, Mr Mélenchon is expected to run for a fourth time. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, the ex-Trotskyist, who came third in 2022, said he was ready, adding: 'If it's me, it's me, if it's someone else, it's someone else, but we'll take the decision that makes us the most effective electorally.' On the Right, a raft of other potential candidates are jostling for position, notably the interior minister Bruno Retailleau and Gérald Darmanin, the justice minister, while Gabriel Attal, the ex-Macron prime minister, hopes to replace his former boss. Meanwhile, the biggest potential presidential hitters continue to plough their furrow, albeit with a string of handicaps. Marine Le Pen still hopes to run but is stymied by an electoral ban over a recent corruption conviction that cannot be overturned until next year. Polls suggest the hard-Right leader would come way out in front in round one of presidential elections, as would Mr Bardella, her 29-year-old lieutenant. Amid reported tensions between the two, this week Ms Le Pen conceded: 'I have accepted the possibility that I may be unable to run. Jordan has accepted the possibility that he may have to take up the torch. Until then, I will continue to fight.' Currently, the chief rival to Ms Le Pen and Mr Bardella is Edouard Philippe, Mr Macron's popular ex-prime minister, who announced his presidential intentions in 2020. Like Mr Villepin, the centre-Right mayor of Le Havre also released a book this month. Called The Price of Our Lies, it is similarly alarmist about France's decline and offers pledges to fight populism and to enact labour and pension reforms. But Mr Philippe this week faced a legal complaint from a civil servant over alleged bullying, favouritism and illegal influence peddling. He dismissed the complaint as a 'sad vendetta' by 'a civil servant whose contract was not renewed'. Mr Duhamel said he did not think the complaint would torpedo his ambitions. 'But I don't think Philippe is active and visible enough at the moment. That's apparently his strategy, but I don't think it's the best one,' he said, pointing out that he is being caught up by Mr Retailleau, the interior minister, in the polls. With two years to go before the presidential elections and no national mandate bar his mayoral post, 'his problem is staying power,' added Christelle Craplet in Le Soir, a political scientist.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
World economy faces 'pivotal moment', central bank body BIS says
LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - Trade tensions and fractious geopolitics risk exposing deep fault lines in the global financial system, central bank umbrella body the Bank for International Settlements, said in its latest assessment of the state of the world economy. Outgoing head of the BIS, often dubbed the central bankers' central bank, Agustín Carstens, said the U.S.-driven trade war and other policy shifts were fraying the long-established economic order. He said the global economy was at a "pivotal moment", entering a "new era of heightened uncertainty and unpredictability", which was testing public trust in institutions, including central banks. The bank's report is published just over a week before U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariff deadline of July 9 and comes after six months of intense geopolitical upheaval. When asked about Trump's criticisms of U.S. Federal Reserve Jerome Powell, which have included Trump labelling the Fed chair as "stupid", he was not overly critical. "It is to be expected at certain points in time that there will be friction," former Mexican central bank governor Carstens told reporters, referring to the relationship between governments and central banks. "It is almost by design". The BIS' annual report, published on Sunday, is viewed as an important gauge of central bankers' thinking given the Switzerland-based forum's regular meetings of top policymakers. Rising protectionism and trade fragmentation were "particular concerning" as they were exacerbating the already decades-long decline in economic and productivity growth, Carstens said. There is also evidence that the world economy is becoming less resilient to shocks, with population ageing, climate change, geopolitics and supply chain issues all contributing to a more volatile environment. The post-COVID spike in inflation seems to have had a lasting impact on the public's perception about price moves too, a study in the report showed. High and rising public debt levels are increasing the financial system's vulnerability to interest rates and reducing governments' ability to spend their way out of crises. "This trend cannot continue," Carstens said referring to the rising debt levels and he said that higher military spending could push the debt up further. Hyun Song Shin, the BIS's main economic adviser, also flagged the sharp fall in the dollar. It is down 10% since the start of the year and on track to be its biggest H1 drop since the free-floating exchange rate era began in the early 1970s. He said there was no evidence that this was the start of a "great rotation" away from U.S. assets as some economists have suggested, but acknowledged that it was still too early to know given sovereign funds and central banks move slowly. Shorter-term analysis, though, showed "hedging" by non-U.S. investors holding Treasuries and other U.S. assets appears to have made an "important contribution" to the dollar's slide over the last few months. "We haven't seen anything (yet) that would give us any cause for alarm," Shin added. The BIS had already published one part of its report last week that gave a stark warning about the rapid rise of so-called stablecoins. In terms of the BIS' own finances, it said it made a net profit of 843.7 million IMF SDR ($1.2 billion), while its total comprehensive income reached a record high of SDR 3.4 billion ($5.3 billion) and currency deposits at the bank also reached a new high. "It is important that the BIS has the highest creditworthiness out there," Carstens said.
