TRUMP LAW FIRMS
Meta set to throw billions at startup that leads AI data market
Scale AI, led by Alexandr Wang, has become a key player in the AI industry by providing crucial data labeling services. Meta is considering a multibillion-dollar investment in Scale, potentially exceeding $10 billion. Scale's growth mirrors OpenAI's, with both companies benefiting from the AI boom and their CEOs navigating the tech and policy landscape.
ID startups face data heat; Nykaa eases into qcomm
Happy Monday! Startups offering identity verification services are under the government’s scanner. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
SEC’s crypto confusion deepens as next-gen ETFs test limits
The SEC faces growing regulatory challenges as it reviews new crypto ETFs that earn yield through staking Ether and Solana tokens. The agency’s inconsistent stance on whether these funds qualify as investment companies highlights unresolved questions about how securities laws apply to digital assets. While the crypto industry pushes for lighter regulation, the SEC grapples with defining the boundaries under the decades-old Howey test, leaving the future of next-gen crypto ETFs uncertain.
Columbia Crisis: Trump's crackdown sends chill through Indian students
The Trump administration has questioned Columbia University's accreditation. This action creates uncertainty for international students, particularly Indians. Visa prospects and financial aid may be affected. Degree recognition could also suffer. Experts advise students not to panic. Universities are offering support. Legal challenges are anticipated. The situation remains fluid, requiring close monitoring by students and institutions.
Indians eye other visa routes amid H-1B uncertainty, layoffs
The new Donald Trump administration has tightened scrutiny of H-1B visas since taking office early this year. According to the data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the number of H-1B visa applications shortlisted this year has declined 27% on year—the lowest since the pandemic-impacted FY21.
Top US universities raced to become global campuses. Under Trump, it's becoming a liability
Harvard's foreign student population has increased significantly. President Trump is using border control to influence higher education. He is targeting universities with large international enrollments. A judge temporarily blocked Trump's order against Harvard. Other universities like Columbia are also under scrutiny.
- Go To Page 1
Consultant behind AI-generated robocalls mimicking Biden goes on trial in New Hampshire
Political consultant Steven Kramer goes on trial in New Hampshire for sending AI-generated robocalls mimicking Joe Biden before the 2024 primary. Accused of voter suppression and impersonation, Kramer claims he aimed to spotlight AI's risks. Prosecutors argue he misled voters; Kramer says the unsanctioned primary wasn't legitimate. He faces 11 felonies, 11 misdemeanors, and a $6 million FCC fine.
A lingering Musk: Will ex-aide Elon get up Trump's nose?
Donald Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill has careened into an Elon Musk-shaped brick wall, complicating its passage into law and risking a schism between the most powerful man in the world and the wealthiest. Continued interventions by Musk over government policy could be an ongoing headache for Trump, as he bids to shepherd his policy priorities through razor-thin Republican majorities in Congress.
With US grudging visas, students veer to EB-5; applications for Green Card category up by more than 100%
The events in the past few weeks that have led to this panic-like situation include a stop on new F-1 visa appointments — a tussle between the Trump administration and Harvard; tightening of F-1 visa rules; heightened scrutiny of students’ records, including social media posts; student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS) record glitches; and increased scrutiny at ports of entry.
A new era of trade warfare has begun for the US and China
The U.S.-China trade conflict escalates into a supply chain battle, with both nations restricting critical technologies and minerals.
Top U.S. companies ditch law firms that aligned with Trump amid backlash and reputation risk concerns
Some top U.S. companies are cutting ties with law firms that worked with the Trump administration. They now prefer firms that stood up to Trump's pressure, fearing risks to their own reputation and values.
Google taps top Obama Supreme Court lawyer for search antitrust appeal
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta last year ruled Google holds an unlawful monopoly in online search and related advertising, and is considering proposals to make the tech titan sell off its popular Chrome browser, or share data that CEO Sundar Pichai says would allow competitors reverse engineer its search engine.
MAGA base erupts as Trump admin’s Palantir-powered national citizen database sparks outrage and distrust
Donald Trump faces backlash from his loyal supporters after reports surfaced about his administration's collaboration with Palantir Technologies to create a national citizen database. This initiative has sparked outrage among the 'MAGA' base, drawing comparisons to authoritarian surveillance tactics.
Trump cabinet heads to Alaska to advance gas pipeline, oil drilling plans
The Trump administration dispatched Cabinet members to Alaska, signaling a push for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and revival of a natural gas project. This move, following Trump's executive order, aims to boost resource development. Asian countries are eyed for investment in the gas pipeline project.
Donald Trump hails Nippon Steel as 'great partner' as deal awaits approval
At a rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump addressed the proposed Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel, emphasizing the company would remain American while partnering with the Japanese firm. Despite lauding an "agreement," Trump deferred final approval, leaving the merger's fate uncertain. He also announced plans to double tariffs on imported steel, signaling a protectionist stance while vowing U.S.
Tax bill contains 'sledgehammer' for Trump to retaliate against foreign digital taxes
Republicans are pushing back against the global minimum tax with a provision in a sweeping tax bill that allows the U.S. to retaliate against countries imposing digital service taxes on American tech companies. This provision, championed by Representative Ron Estes, could raise $116 billion over a decade.
Tax bill contains 'sledgehammer' for Trump to retaliate against foreign digital taxes
A provision in a tax bill under consideration in Congress would grant President Trump the power to retaliate against countries imposing digital service taxes on large U.S. tech companies. This move aims to counter foreign taxes on U.S. tech products, potentially raising $116 billion over a decade. However, experts warn of possible consequences like reduced foreign investment in the U.S.
Harvard holds commencement while facing pressure from Trump administration
Harvard University faces challenges from the Trump administration. The administration threatens funding and international student enrollment. Harvard is fighting back in court, defending its academic freedom. Commencement speakers praised Harvard's stance. Protests related to the Gaza conflict occurred. The university grapples with criticisms of antisemitism. Harvard President Alan Garber defends the institution's actions.
U.S. stock market today: S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq surge as Nvidia smashes earnings and Trump’s tariffs get crushed by court ruling — is this the start of a historic market rally?
U.S. stock market show a mixed day for Wall Street as the Dow Jones falls while the Nasdaq surges, powered by Nvidia’s strong earnings. Markets reacted sharply to a U.S. court ruling that blocked many of Donald Trump's tariffs, raising questions about future trade policy. Tech stocks jumped, but industrials dragged. The S&P 500 also saw gains before pulling back. This major legal twist and Nvidia’s impressive performance are reshaping market momentum. Wondering why the Dow dropped or what this court ruling really means for U.S. trade? This story breaks it all down in simple terms.
Trump administration halts new student visa interviews, causing anxiety among Indian aspirants
The Trump administration's halt on student visa interviews is causing anxiety among Indian students, especially those who quit jobs. Experts advise caution with social media and exploring alternative study destinations in Europe. The situation may impact US universities financially and talent-wise, prompting potential legal challenges and institutional pushback against the directive.
US banks tiptoe toward crypto, awaiting more green lights from regulators
US president Donald Trump vowed to become the first "crypto president" before he took office. He has since wooed the industry's elite at the White House, promised to boost the adoption of digital assets and said he aims to create a strategic bitcoin reserve. While there are welcoming signs, banks are seeking even clearer guidelines from the government clarifying what they can do in crypto, more than half a dozen industry executives said.
Vance urges crypto industry to stay involved in politics as he touts Trump administration's record
Vice President JD Vance urged the crypto industry to maintain its political engagement, emphasizing the Trump administration's support for pro-crypto legislation. He highlighted the industry's influence in the recent election and its potential to drive innovation. Vance also noted the strategic importance of U.S.
US court blocks Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, citing overreach of power
Trump Tariffs News: A U.S. federal court has blocked Donald Trump’s attempt to impose sweeping tariffs under emergency powers, ruling that the president exceeded his constitutional authority. The Court of International Trade determined that only Congress can regulate foreign trade, rejecting Trump’s use of emergency legislation to justify the levies. The ruling came in response to lawsuits filed by U.S. businesses and states, with critics calling the tariffs economically damaging and legally unsound. The decision casts uncertainty over Trump’s trade policy and global negotiations.
Harvard fight illustrates Trump's worldview: If he attacks, it's your fault
President Trump defends his administration's actions against Harvard, claiming the university is responsible for the loss of federal funding due to its opposition. He views conflict as a zero-sum game, where any pushback is met with retaliation, framing his actions as a response to perceived disrespect.
US banks tiptoe toward crypto, awaiting more green light from regulators
US banks are cautiously exploring cryptocurrency expansion amid regulatory easing, focusing on pilot projects and partnerships. While JPMorgan remains sceptical, others like Charles Schwab and Bank of America plan crypto offerings. Banks seek clearer guidelines on anti-money laundering and market rules before deeper involvement in crypto trading, custody, and stablecoins.
Musk finds Trump’s new bill ‘disappointing’: Here’s what it means for government efficiency, clean energy
Elon Musk has voiced his disapproval of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," citing concerns over its potential to increase the federal deficit and hinder government efficiency efforts. The proposed legislation, backed by President Trump, includes tax cuts, stricter Medicaid rules, and reduced clean energy incentives.
Trump's campaign against law firms dealt another setback as judge blocks executive order
A federal judge struck down President Trump's executive order targeting WilmerHale, marking the third such ruling against his attempts to sanction law firms. Judge Leon deemed the order unconstitutional, emphasizing the importance of an independent bar. The ruling affirms lawyers' rights to represent clients without government reprisal, rejecting Trump's efforts to punish firms for opposing his interests.
Trump's campaign received scores of donations from problematic donors
President Trump called for an investigation into ActBlue, alleging illegal foreign contributions, while his own committees received questionable donations, including those from overseas and anonymous sources. Despite campaign finance violations, Trump has shown indifference, even pardoning those convicted of related crimes. Democrats fear the investigation is politically motivated and could significantly impact their fundraising efforts.
Donald Trump wants to take $3 billion of Harvard University and give it away to trade schools
President Trump is considering redirecting $3 billion in grant money from Harvard University to trade schools across the country. This action follows his administration's attempt to restrict Harvard's enrollment of foreign students, which a judge temporarily blocked. Harvard has sued to restore the funding, arguing the moves are retaliation for the university's refusal to align with Trump's agenda.
Load More
