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Members of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps are facing an uncertain future due to staff cuts initiated by&nbsp;the White House DOGE office. This has left numerous young volunteers and employees in a state of doubt regarding their career trajectories.
What Happened: AmeriCorps members were unexpectedly sent home, with many of them only three months into their ten-month service contracts. This sudden decision has left thousands of volunteers and employees in a state of uncertainty, as they prepare for potential layoffs.
The&nbsp;White House DOGE&nbsp;office had previously visited the&nbsp;AmeriCorps and Peace Corps headquarters, leading to speculation about the future of these agencies. 
However, despite the hiring freeze, the Peace Corps confirmed that volunteer recruitment activities are ongoing and no staff have been cut as of yet, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americorps-peacecorps-genz-doge-trump-cuts-career-2025-4">the</a> Insider.
Founded in 1993 and 1961&nbsp;respectively, AmeriCorps and the Peace&nbsp;Corps enroll hundreds of thousands&nbsp;of young adult volunteers each&nbsp;year. These volunteers, who&nbsp;receive a stipend for living&nbsp;expenses, participate in various service works in local communities. The experience often serves as a stepping stone&nbsp;for a career in public&nbsp;service.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44778605/elon-musk-digging-my-own-grave-by-tying-himself-to-doge">Elon Musk: &#8216;Digging My Own Grave&#8217; by Tying Himself to DOGE</a>
Nevertheless, the recent developments have left many members concerned about their future career prospects. The White House confirmed that about&nbsp;75% of full-time AmeriCorps employees&nbsp;were placed on administrative leave&nbsp;this week, with&nbsp;no clear timeline for when&nbsp;they&nbsp;could return to work or&nbsp;be fired.
An administration official cited AmeriCorps&#8217; failure in eight consecutive audits and its management of&nbsp;over $1 billion in taxpayer&nbsp;dollars every year as reasons for the staff shake-up. AmeriCorps representatives have not responded to requests for comment.
Why It Matters: The current situation has raised concerns about the future of public service agencies and the impact on young volunteers who rely on these programs for career development. 
The uncertainty also raises questions about the management of taxpayer dollars and the accountability of these agencies. 
The outcome of this situation could have far-reaching implications for public service in the United States.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44346423/teslas-biggest-bull-frustrated-with-elon-musks-focus-on-doge-over-company-patience-wearing-thin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla's Biggest Bull Frustrated With Elon Musk's Focus On DOGE Over Company: ‘Patience Wearing Thin'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

News

Politics

Tech

Public Service Pipeline For Grads Faces DOGE-Induced Roadblocks

Dave Ramsey is known for helping people get out of debt, so it was shocking when he told a 40-year-old widower to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdlvQ48onNo">buy a new car</a>. The caller mentioned he was considering a new car to impress women since he's ready to attract another woman in his life. Ramsey didn't only tell him to get a new car, but he was pretty adamant about it.
"Regardless of women, you should get a better car. Your car sucks."
The context behind this response and the advice Ramsey gives later in the call can help people who are looking for love and want to build their net worth.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Caller Has An Old Vehicle</h2>
It's normal for people to drive older vehicles. The average age of a U.S. vehicle reached a <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/mobility/en/research-analysis/average-age-vehicles-united-states-2024.html#:~:text=Vehicles%20on%20the%20road%20are,2023%2C%20according%20to%20new%20analysis.">record 12.6 years</a> in 2024. New cars are expensive and can get you deep into debt, but there are two unique factors to the caller's situation.
The first one is that the caller is driving a 25-year-old pick-up truck. Even a used car from the 2010s is a massive upgrade from an old pick-up truck. The second detail is that the caller is in a tremendous financial position. He has a $1.3 million net worth and earns $132,000 per year. He also has no debt, no mortgage, and no kids.
While the caller shouldn't get an exotic luxury vehicle, he doesn't have to settle for a 25-year-old pick-up truck either.&nbsp;
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Buy A Car Just To Attract Women</h2>
The way Ramsey framed his advice is also important. He said that the caller should get a better car, even if trying to impress women wasn't a part of the equation. While Ramsey recommended a vehicle upgrade, he also warned against the caller tipping people off on his net worth.
"If you impress them with the car, it's the wrong woman," Ramsey responded.
A flashy car risks attracting a woman who only loves you for your money. Showing off rich items may attract a gold digger.&nbsp;
However, it is still ideal to have a car that's in good condition. Ramsey's daughter, Rachel Cruze, was the co-host for this episode, and she chimed in from the woman's perspective.&nbsp;
Cruze said that having a beat-up car can indicate to a woman that she has to be the breadwinner to hold up the family financially. Not every woman wants that pressure, especially biblical women. It's common for biblical women to see themselves as the person who has to nurture the kids while the father is the breadwinner who provides for the family.&nbsp;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
A good car can show a woman that you are able to provide. It can indicate that you either have good finances or are making progress with your finances.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Caller Is Looking At Used Cars</h2>
The caller has good financial management skills based on his net worth, and he's also looking at cars that range from $5,000 to $10,000. That puts him in the used car market, which isn't a bad thing. Almost any car is an upgrade from what he currently has.
While he has the flexibility to raise his budget, the caller's desire to spend a relatively small amount of money on a car demonstrates good financial management. A new car is a good investment, and in this case, a new car can simply mean a used car that looks better than the pick-up truck.
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

A Widower Asks Dave Ramsey If He Should Get A New Car To Impress Woman: 'Regardless Of Women, You Should Get A Better Car. Your Car Sucks.'

Cryptocurrency analyst Benjamin Cowen has proposed that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could potentially see a 137% increase in a perfect market scenario.
What Happened: Cowen, during his discussion with Kyle Chasse, put forth that Bitcoin could reach up to $200,000 if it&nbsp;is currently in a right-translated&nbsp;cycle. This type of market cycle is characterized by prices peaking later rather than sooner.
During the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nTKdVWUM1Y">interview</a>, Cowen inferred that in such a cycle, Bitcoin could experience a 10x increase from its lowest point, positioning it around $150,000. However, he does not anticipate Bitcoin reaching $300,000 in this cycle, even though he is confident it will eventually hit that mark.
The analyst stressed that for Bitcoin to stay on course for new all-time highs in this cycle, it needs to uphold the 2024 high of&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;$72,000 on the weekly chart. He expressed a positive outlook for later in the year if Bitcoin can sustain this level, even in the face of another pullback.
"I would say that it's possible if we get a right translated cycle that from the bottom Bitcoin could go up about 10x or something, which would probably put it around $150,000. So I would say, in a right translated cycle my guess is that it would be anywhere from like $120,000 to like $150,000,&#8221; he said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44888965/this-crypto-analyst-forecasts-bitcoins-superiority-over-altcoins-until-this-happens">This Crypto Analyst Forecasts Bitcoin&#8217;s Superiority Over Altcoins Until This Happens</a>
&#8220;It's possible in the perfect scenario that it could go all the way up to $200,000. I don't think Bitcoin will hit $300,000 this cycle. I do think Bitcoin will eventually hit $300,000, but I don't think it will be this cycle," Cowen added. 
&#8220;I would definitely become more optimistic later on this year. That's my main concern right now, is, if there is another pullback, can we hold it? The good news is we've held it so far, and we actually technically we haven't even tested it. So the good news is if there is another drop, you probably would have some bulls try to hold the line at those levels because we haven't even tested those levels yet," he continued. 
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $84,483, with no significant change on the day.
Why It Matters: Cowen&#8217;s predictions come at a time when Bitcoin&#8217;s performance is under intense scrutiny. The cryptocurrency&#8217;s ability to maintain a high weekly chart, as Cowen suggests, could be a key determinant of its future trajectory. 
His forecast of a potential 137% surge under ideal conditions underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the crypto market. However, it also highlights the immense potential for growth that Bitcoin holds, reinforcing its appeal to investors. 
Despite the lack of a specific timeline for when Bitcoin might hit the $300,000 mark, Cowen&#8217;s optimism provides a positive outlook for the cryptocurrency&#8217;s long-term performance.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44065728/crypto-analyst-predicts-195-bitcoin-rally-says-bull-market-not-over-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto Analyst Predicts 195% Bitcoin Rally, Says Bull Market Not Over Yet</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Bukhta Yurii

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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

This Crypto Analyst Predicts Bitcoin Could Soar 137% Under Perfect Market Conditions

Robert Kiyosaki, the well-known entrepreneur and author, has predicted that Bitcoin&#8217;s price will soon exceed $1 million.
What Happened: In a post on X on Friday, Kiyosaki, the author of the best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad, expressed the view that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will cross the $1 million mark.
His prediction is rooted in the current financial state of the U.S., which is burdened with heavy debt, soaring unemployment rates, and shrinking pension funds.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">MAKES ME SAD: In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. US debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401 k's are losing. Pensions are being stolen. USA may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION. I get sad because as I stated in an earlier X….Tweet….I warned…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1913366747010531408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Kiyosaki also expressed concerns about a potential &#8220;Greater Depression&#8221; looming over the country, a prediction he had made in his early 2000&#8217;s book Rich Dad's Prophecy. Despite the bleak outlook, Kiyosaki conveyed that individuals can still amass wealth amidst the current market crash.
He advocates for investing in Bitcoin, gold, and silver, stating that owning even a fraction of Bitcoin could lead to wealth post-crisis. He is confident that by 2035, Bitcoin&#8217;s price will cross $1 million, with gold and silver also witnessing significant increases in value.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44886845/robert-kiyosaki-says-millions-could-be-out-of-work-heres-his-game-plan">Robert Kiyosaki Says Millions Could Be Out of Work — Here&#8217;s His Game Plan</a>
At the time the report was published, Bitcoin was trading at $84,967, marking a 2% increase since the previous Wednesday.
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when the U.S. is grappling with economic instability. His views on the potential of Bitcoin, gold, and silver as investment options highlight the growing interest in alternative assets amidst economic uncertainty. 
His forecast also underscores the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation and economic downturns. 
While his prediction is bold, it reflects a growing sentiment among investors seeking refuge in alternative assets during these turbulent times.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43901226/robert-kiyosaki-says-everything-bubble-will-cause-historic-market-crash-bitcoin-will-be-fastest-to-recover" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Kiyosaki Says ‘Everything Bubble&#8217; Will Cause Historic Market Crash, Bitcoin Will Be Fastest To Recover</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Paopano

Robert Kiyosaki's Bitcoin Forecast: Could $1 Million Be Realistic?

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a longtime but mostly low-profile legislator, has surged into the national spotlight <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44779739/oops-hes-alive-and-secure-trump-administration-updates-status-on-mistaken-deportation-to-el-salvador" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following a trip to El Salvador</a> to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
The visit, where Van Hollen met with the Maryland man erroneously deported by the Trump administration after initally being denief permission to do so, has raised Van Hollen&#8217;s profile and energized progressive Democrats, Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/18/inside-chris-van-hollen-moment-00299228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The controversy has escalated as the White House publicly dismissed Van Hollen&#8217;s efforts, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1913241658579440126" rel="noreferrer noopener">posting </a>that Abrego Garcia is &#8220;NOT coming back.&#8221;
El Salvador&#8217;s President Nayib Bukele joined in, mockingly posting staged photos of Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia at a restaurant.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44885628/mark-cuban-says-health-insurance-shouldnt-exist-you-dont-have-to-grab-every-nickel-when-its-the-health-of-the-entire-country-at-stake" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Says Health Insurance Shouldn&#8217;t Exist — &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Have to Grab Every Nickel When It&#8217;s the Health of the Entire Country at Stake&#8217;</a>
Van Hollen has denied the authenticity of these images, accusing Salvadoran officials of staging props for political theater.
Initially denied access to the prison where Abrego Garcia was held, Van Hollen ultimately succeeded in speaking with his constituent after a transfer to another facility.
His dramatic intervention has struck a nerve at a time when Democrats are struggling for unity and momentum, the report furher adds.
Van Hollen&#8217;s trip was prompted by what he and others have called a gross miscarriage of justice.
Despite a court ruling that allowed Abrego Garcia to stay in the U.S., immigration officials deported him, citing alleged gang affiliations — claims unsupported by evidence.
A federal judge later ordered his return, a directive the Trump administration has refused to implement, even after the Supreme Court upheld it.
The senator&#8217;s high-profile actions have sparked praise from progressive leaders who see him as a model for confronting the consequences of Trump-era immigration policies.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Leah Greenberg of Indivisible have applauded his initiative, noting it could revitalize a fractured party and offer a coherent, values-driven narrative on immigration and constitutional rights.
Van Hollen&#8217;s emergence as a moral voice on international human rights may reshape his political arc, Politico adds.
Known for a principled stance on foreign policy, including criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, he is gaining traction as Democrats mull leadership changes. His name has even been floated for a potential cabinet role under a future Democratic administration.
At a press conference at Dulles International Airport, Van Hollen emphasized that his mission transcends partisan politics. &#8220;This is an American issue,&#8221; he said.
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Image: Shutterstock/Philip Yabut

Equities

General

Maryland Senator Grabs National Spotlight With El Salvador Meeting With Deportee

Investor and entrepreneur Grant Cardone got people talking again with a tweet listing seven ways to scale passive income. The list included automated car washes, laundromats, lending, video arcades, self-storage, apartments and ATM machines. While some followers cheered him on, others raised eyebrows, laughed or called the whole thing outdated.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">7 Ways to Scale Passive income. • automated car washes • Laundry mats • Lending • Video arcades • Self-storage • Apartments • ATM machines
&mdash; Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantCardone/status/1912107691637358691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Passive Income?</h2>
Passive income is money earned without putting in sustained effort. In contrast to active income, where you trade time for money through your job or services, passive income flows in with little to no regular involvement once systems are in place. It typically requires effort up front, but once running, it can offer financial independence and long-term stability.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some Call It a Solid List</h2>
Supporters of Cardone&#8217;s tweet said the list featured proven ways to build long-term wealth. They argued that while these businesses require upfront effort, they can generate income with minimal daily involvement once set up. One user added that self-storage, in particular, has low overhead and high margins after the initial investment. &#8220;Self-storage is the hidden gem here. Been watching friends crush it.&#8221; Another praised car washes and apartments as strong income generators when properly managed.
Others jumped in with suggestions like vending machines, digital products, print-on-demand merch and even mobile home parks. A few noted that many new developments in their areas were car washes and self-storage units, possibly for these very reasons.&nbsp;
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others Aren&#8217;t Buying the Hype</h2>
Critics pushed back hard, saying that most of Cardone's list isn't passive at all. They argued that these are active businesses that need constant management. If a machine breaks, it&#8217;s your responsibility. If a tenant has a problem, you have to solve it. One user summed it up: &#8220;None of these are truly passive until you've mastered 3 things: Operations, automation, delegation. You&#8217;re not buying income. You&#8217;re buying systems that free you from the work.&#8221;
&#8220;Video arcades. Thanks boomer,&#8221; another person quipped, poking fun at the outdated feel of some entries on the list.
Some even suggested the list sounded more like a blueprint for money laundering than real investment advice.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ideas for Passive Income Investing</h2>
There are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/passive-income-investing-the-path-to-true-wealth">many ways to invest in passive income</a>. Some are business-based, like the ideas Cardone shared, while others rely more on traditional or digital investments. Here are a few general categories:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investment-Based Passive Income</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-dividend-paying-stocks">Dividend Stocks</a>: Earn a share of company profits. Yields can be modest, but with the right picks, they offer steady income.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-bonds">Bonds and Bond Index Funds</a>: Lend money to companies or governments and receive interest. Funds help spread out risk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-annuity-companies">Annuities</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-mutual-funds">Mutual Funds</a>: Annuities guarantee regular payments; mutual funds offer dividends depending on performance.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-in-private-equity-guide-to-getting-started">Private Equity</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-venture-capital">Venture Capital</a>: High risk, but potentially high reward. You invest and earn returns if the business succeeds.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interest-Based Passive Income</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-savings-accounts">High-Yield Savings Accounts</a>: Lower risk and insured by the government. Pays modest interest.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-5-year-cd-rates">Certificates of Deposit</a>: Fixed rate for a fixed term. Less liquidity but more predictability.
Alternative Investment-Based Passive Income
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-real-estate">Real Estate</a>: Rental properties can provide consistent income. Crowdfunding and REITs are options too.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-reits">REITs</a>: Own shares in real estate companies that pay dividends.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-get-into-cryptocurrency">Cryptocurrency</a>: Earn through staking or lending coins. High risk but also potential for high returns.
Cardone sparked an important conversation. Whether you agree with his list or not, it got people thinking about what it really takes to build wealth that works for you, instead of the other way around.
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Image: Shutterstock

'Video Arcades? Thanks Boomer'—Grant Cardone Shares Seven Passive Income Ideas, And People Are Amused

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has excluded a range of technology products, including certain consumer electronics made in China, from the reciprocal tariffs. The list of exemptions, released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, effectively <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44784092/apple-smci-nvidia-and-amd-stocks-climb-in-monday-pre-market-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduces the scope of the imposed levies</a>.
The exclusions apply to smartphones, laptops, hard drives, and computer processors and memory chips, shielding them from Trump&#8217;s proposed 125% tariff on Chinese goods and the baseline 10% global tariff on most other countries.
Pedestrians in at least three California cities were met with bizarre AI-generated voice clips mimicking Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Meta Platforms Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Mark Zuckerberg after crosswalk buttons were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44784312/hacked-crosswalk-buttons-in-california-cities-play-ai-generated-elon-musk-zuckerberg-voice-clips-mocking-democracy-and-begging-for-friends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly hacked over the weekend.</a>
Automotive
Rivian Automotive Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has said the company boasts a "U.S.-centric" supply chain amid&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s 25% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44836493/rivians-us-centric-supply-chain-could-offer-edge-amid-trumps-auto-tariffs-says-ceo-rj-scaringe" rel="noreferrer noopener">tariffs on the auto industry</a>.
Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has released a cheaper, long-range version of the Model Y facelift. The new version replaces the limited-run launch edition, which is no longer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44809616/heres-how-the-new-2025-tesla-model-y-long-range-differs-from-the-limited-run-launch-edition" rel="noreferrer noopener">available for sale by the company</a>.
A&nbsp;Tesla Model Y was spotted testing in India&#8217;s Mumbai, adding to the anticipation of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44833951/elon-musk-led-teslas-model-y-spotted-testing-in-mumbai-ahead-of-india-debut" rel="noreferrer noopener">the company&#8217;s debut in India</a>.
Social Media/Entertainment
Netflix Inc.&nbsp;has begun testing an artificial intelligence–powered search engine that enables subscribers to find movies and TV shows based on their emotions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778760/netflix-debuts-openai-backed-search-engine-that-lets-you-discover-movies-and-tv-shows-based-on-emotions-not-just-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preferences, or specific situations</a>.
TikTok‘s U.S. public policy chief,&nbsp;Michael Beckerman, is leaving his Washington-based role to transition <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44856624/tiktoks-us-policy-chief-steps-down-as-bidding-war-heats-up-after-trump-extends-deadline-report">to a global advisory position</a>.
Technology
Nvidia Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) and&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) have reportedly decided to invest in the artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778730/nvidia-and-alphabet-to-back-openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-new-ai-startup-safe-superintelligence-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778730/nvidia-and-alphabet-to-back-openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-new-ai-startup-safe-superintelligence-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">chief scientist&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778730/nvidia-and-alphabet-to-back-openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-new-ai-startup-safe-superintelligence-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilya Sutskever</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google&nbsp;rolled out its&nbsp;Veo 2&nbsp;model <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44832438/googles-veo-2-will-allow-you-to-create-high-resolution-videos-with-text-in-gemini-app-sundar-pichai-shows-off-cyberpunk-style-anime" rel="noreferrer noopener">to&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44832438/googles-veo-2-will-allow-you-to-create-high-resolution-videos-with-text-in-gemini-app-sundar-pichai-shows-off-cyberpunk-style-anime" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gemini Advanced</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44832438/googles-veo-2-will-allow-you-to-create-high-resolution-videos-with-text-in-gemini-app-sundar-pichai-shows-off-cyberpunk-style-anime" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;users</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google&#8217;s DeepMind&nbsp;is diving into marine science with a new AI model designed to help <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44833198/can-ai-talk-to-dolphins-googles-deepmind-creates-dolphingemma-to-explore-animal-language" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers decode dolphin communication</a>.
Meta Platforms announced Friday it will appoint&nbsp;Dina Powell&nbsp;McCormick&nbsp;and&nbsp;Stripe&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Patrick Collison&nbsp;to its board of directors, effective April 15. The move increased the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44782094/meta-board-shake-up-trump-era-veteran-dina-powell-and-stripe-ceo-join-as-zuckerberg-reshapes-companys-political-and-strategic-direction" rel="noreferrer noopener">board&#8217;s size to 15 members</a>.
Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) announced a research preview of &#8220;Computer Use,&#8221; a new tool within&nbsp;Copilot Studio&nbsp;that enables AI agents to perform tasks on desktop and web <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44831264/microsoft-debuts-computer-use-tool-for-copilot-studio-ceo-satya-nadella-says-anyone-can-build-agents-that-take-action-on-the-ui-across-desktop-and-web-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applications by interacting directly</a>.
Bill Gates&nbsp;says artificial intelligence will soon wipe out chronic shortages of skilled workers like doctors and teachers, eventually forcing societies to rethink the value of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44857520/bill-gates-says-his-kids-and-grandkids-will-live-in-a-very-changed-world-as-ai-puts-an-end-to-shortage-of-teachers-and-doctors">time and the concept of ‘work hours</a>'.
Smartphones
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) investors breathed a much-needed sigh of relief on Friday when the Trump administration announced a decision to exempt iPhones, iPads, and Macs from the latest wave of reciprocal tariffs. This might have saved the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44788262/apples-margins-catch-a-break-but-road-ahead-still-looks-bumpy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> company from a near-term cost storm</a>.
Image: Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff

Large Cap

AAPL

GOOG

MSFT

NFLX

RIVN

TSLA

Consumer Tech News (Apr 14-Apr 18): Trump's 125% China Tariff Sidesteps Consumer Tech, Tesla Model Y Spotted in India & More

Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of over 3%.
Evergy
Evergy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVRG#NASDAQ">EVRG</a>) engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the U.S. It generates electricity through coal, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas and oil sources, as well as solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
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Evergy has raised its dividends consecutively for the last seven years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Nov. 7, the company's board increased the quarterly payout by 4% to $0.6675 per share, equal to an annual figure of $2.67 per share. The current dividend yield is 3.93%.
Evergy's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $5.85 billion. According to its most recent release on Feb. 27, it posted Q4 2024 revenues of $1.26 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion, while EPS of $0.35 came in below the consensus of $0.37.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Sempra
Sempra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRE#NYSE">SRE</a>) operates as an energy infrastructure company in the U.S. and internationally.
The company increased its dividends consecutively for the last 15 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Feb. 25, it raised the quarterly payout from $0.62 to $0.645 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $2.58 per share. The current yield on the dividend is 3.67%.
Sempra's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $13.19 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings announcement on Feb. 25, the company posted revenues of $3.76 billion and EPS of $1.50. Both figures came in below expectations.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/04/44812332/analyst-expectations-for-sempras-future">article by Benzinga</a> for 14 analysts' insights on Sempra.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Philip Morris
Philip Morris International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) operates as a tobacco company. The company offers cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.
Philip Morris has raised its dividends every year for the past 17 years. In the company&#8217;s most recent dividend hike announcement on Sept. 12, it increased the quarterly payout from $1.30 to $1.35 per share, equaling an annual figure of $5.40 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on March 6, the company maintained the payout at the same level. The current dividend yield on the stock is 3.37%.
The company&#8217;s annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $37.88 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 6, it posted revenues of $9.71 billion and EPS of $1.55, both above the consensus estimates.
Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of over 3% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44830336/how-kimberly-clark-txnm-energy-and-getty-realty-can-put-cash-in-your-pocket">article by Benzinga</a> for three more stocks offering high dividend yields.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

EVRG

Looking For Yields: Evergy, Sempra, And Philip Morris Are Consistent Moneymakers

Chocolate lovers are in for a rude awakening this Easter, with their favorite bars, cherished brands, and even the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg are significantly dearer compared to prior years.
The 370% rally in cocoa prices, from $2,600 a ton in 2023 to $12,200 in April 2024, is more than just a bitter pill for consumers. It is weighing on the entire supply chain, from farmers and traders to confectionery giants and small chocolatiers alike.
While prices have stabilized this year, they are still well above historic averages at $7,750 a ton, and analysts warn that there is little relief on the horizon.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turmoil In West Africa &#8211; Poor Weather, Crop Failures &amp; Floods</h2>
The world produces nearly 6 million tonnes of cocoa beans each year, with two-thirds of them coming from the West African nations of Ghana and Ivory Coast. Starting with the 2022-23 cocoa season, however, the region has been hit by a perfect storm of floods, crop failures, and shifting weather patterns.
According to the International Cocoa Association, the global market has faced three consecutive years of deficit, the latest being a 150,000 tonne deficit during the 2024-25 season.&nbsp;
Following devastating floods that wiped out key growing regions, the extra dry Harmattan season roasted the cocoa pods, according to a <a href="https://think.ing.com/articles/cocoa-deficit-concerns-grow-chocolate-prices-record/">report</a> by ING Group analysts. Harmattan refers to dusty easterly or north-easterly winds on the West African coast that prevail between December to February. 
To make matters worse, nearly 600,000 hectares of the 1.4 million hectares of land in Ghana that is under cocoa production has been infected with Swollen Foot Virus, which affects cocoa trees, harming their yield, and ultimately killing them, according to Reuters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="710" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-1024x710.png" alt="" class="wp-image-878110" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-1024x710.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-300x208.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-768x532.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Chart representing Cocoa prices in USD per Tonne: source: tradingeconomics.com
Even as the dust settles on these issues, climate change-driven shifting weather patterns are threatening to destroy West Africa's cocoa industry for good.
Max Dugan-Knight, a climate data scientist at Deep Sky, a Canadian carbon capture startup, says that cocoa is grown in tropical climates, but persistent temperatures above 90°F kill cocoa trees. Both Ivory Coast and Ghana now see extended periods above these thresholds every year.
Climate change is causing more extreme heat, extreme precipitation, and larger swings between hot and cold and wet and dry. None of that is good for crops like cocoa, he adds.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs &amp; Other Structural Issues</h2>
While critical problems continue to persist across key areas of the supply, new structural issues have since cropped up, further adding to the complexity of this crisis.
With just two days left for Easter, the White House is planning its annual Easter Egg Roll, a time-honored tradition going back nearly 150 years. The event will use 30,000 real eggs, but for those who want to celebrate with chocolate Easter Bunnies and eggs, things aren't as festive.
Recently, the U.S. Government <a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44616760/donald-trump-sets-reciprocal-tariffs-on-key-trade-partners-in-historic-policy-shock">imposed reciprocal tariffs</a> of 21% on the Ivory Coast and 10% on Ghana, making cocoa more expensive for importers and chocolate producers located in the United States. To make matters worse, no region in the U.S. besides small parts of Hawaii is suitable for cultivating cocoa.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shrinkflation Takes Hold of Big Chocolate</h2>
The big chocolate and confectionery companies such as Hershey Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) and Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>), which owns Cadbury's, have come under pressure from rising raw material prices, but not to the extent that was expected.
While cocoa prices have rallied over 300%, Hershey's has raised prices by 12% to 13% for some products, Mondelez by less than 10% for its chocolate products, while other popular brands such as Lindt &amp; Spruengli AG have hiked prices by 6.5%.
According to the consumer price index, the retail price of chocolate has increased by 3% over the past year. A part of this was owing to the extensive hedging strategies and long-term contracts used by the big companies to handle volatility, but that doesn't last very long.
As cocoa prices show no signs of retreating, companies have begun employing other strategies to maintain their prices and margins in the long run.&nbsp;
This includes a reduction in product sizes, or ‘Shrinkflation,' along with changing formulations, with some products now labeled &#8220;chocolatey&#8221; or &#8220;chocolate flavored&#8221; to reflect reduced cocoa content, according to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/rising-cocoa-prices-drive-mars-hersey-to-use-less-chocolate">report</a> by Bloomberg.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Craft Chocolatiers Are Doing Better</h2>
Smaller craft chocolatiers see an opportunity in this crisis and are using their unique niche positioning to pass on the costs to consumers.
According to Chaitanya Muppala, the CEO of Manam Chocolate, an Indian craft chocolate brand focused on ethical sourcing and sustainability, "Given that for many companies the cacao content is going to change to cushion the volatility, this stands as an opportunity for us to truly familiarize people with premium quality, world-class chocolate."
Muppala adds that fine flavor cacao that craft chocolatiers work with has always traded at a premium to bulk cacao, and while the gap has narrowed, it still trades at a considerable premium. "We don't bother much about spot cacao prices," he says.
According to Carla Martin, director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute at Harvard University, there are 400 specialty chocolate companies in the U.S., a number that has doubled since 2017. She now worries that the rising prices alongside the new tariffs by the Trump administration could kill this nascent industry, as <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/01/03/climate-related-cocoa-shortages-put-strain-on-the-global-chocolate-industry">reported</a> by The Marketplace. &nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Easter Bunnies: More Expensive Than Ever, Not Getting Any Cheaper</h2>
Chocolate Easter bunnies, already costlier to produce due to their intricate shapes, are expected to see price increases, with German manufacturers reporting bunnies are 2 to 3 times more expensive than regular chocolate bars, according to a <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/germany-high-global-cocoa-prices-hamper-easter-bunny-output/a-72220808">report</a> by DW.&nbsp;
Cocoa's rally has turned a holiday indulgence into a bellwether for climate resilience and trade policy. Whether the industry can channel record prices into better farm incomes and sustainable replanting will determine if the current boom ends in relief, or another meltdown the following Easter.
Photo Courtesy: LenaAndPhoto via Shutterstock.com
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Commodities

Exclusives

MDLZ

Easter Candy Sticker Shock: Trump Tariffs And Climate Threaten to Make Your Chocolate Bunny A Luxury Item

<ul>
<li>Coinbase Institutional has suggested that the cryptocurrency market is at the start of a bearish cycle.</li>
<li>Bitcoin and major altcoins have fallen below a key technical level.</li>
<li>Coinbase Institutional does not expect the cryptocurrency bear market cycle to last long.</li>
</ul>
Amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44830360/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-match-stock-futures-decline-as-nvidia-faces-pressure-analyst-sees-signs-of-resumption-of-btcs-uptrend">declining prices and growing market uncertainty</a> over the past few months, the burning question on the minds of several cryptocurrency market participants has been: Is the bull market cycle over?
Coinbase Institutional, the institution-facing arm of the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, is the latest to attempt to answer the question. The answer? Probably, especially in the short term.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘Crypto Winter'</h2>
&#8220;Several converging signals may be pointing to the start of a new &#8216;crypto winter,'&#8221; Coinbase Institutional Global Head of Research David Duong asserted in a Tuesday <a href="https://www.coinbase.com/institutional/research-insights/research/monthly-outlook/monthly-outlook-apr-2025">note</a>.
Crypto winter is an extended bear market phase characterized by falling prices, low volumes, and negative market sentiment.
Amid market uncertainty sparked by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44845141/nvidia-drags-wall-street-down-gold-defies-gravity-ahead-of-powell-remarks-whats-driving-markets-wednesday">the U.S.-led trade war</a>, Duong argues that Bitcoin has been trading in bear market territory since late March and altcoins, specifically the top 50 coins per market cap, since the end of February, citing the 200-day moving average.
The moving average is a technical indicator traders often rely on to cut through the noise from market fluctuations and identify the underlying trend. The 200DMA, in particular, is widely believed to indicate long-term market trends. If an asset&#8217;s price is above the indicator, it is considered to be in a bull market and vice versa.
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Bitcoin fell below the 200DMA on March 9 and has failed to hold above since.
Beyond the 200DMA, Duong highlighted significant declines in the total cryptocurrency market capitalization and venture capital funding as further evidence that cryptocurrencies were in a bear market cycle.
Specifically, he noted that the total crypto market capitalization, excluding Bitcoin, stood at $950 billion, down 41% from a December 2024 high of $1.6 trillion and 17% year-on-year.
At the same time, according to the analyst, venture capital funding in the cryptocurrency space remains over 50% below the levels observed during the height of the 2021-2022 cycle, suggesting reduced fresh capital inflows, especially for altcoins.
But Duong remains optimistic that the current cryptocurrency bear market trajectory may not last long.&nbsp;
&#8220;We still believe that crypto prices may be able to find their floor in mid-to-late 2Q25 &#8211; setting up a better 3Q25,&#8221; he wrote.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Improved Global Liquidity</h2>
Speaking to Benzinga about why Coinbase Institutional is anticipating a Q3 market recovery, Duong explained that he expects global liquidity to recover in late Q2, helped by anticipated lower borrowing costs from interest rate reductions. At the same time, he asserted that secular trends like AI were likely to sustain long-term growth.
&#8220;Thus, we think it&#8217;s possible that this quarter may represent the low for crypto prices in 2025 – barring any major paradigm shifts – as tax cuts, deregulation and other stimulative fiscal policies may yet materialize later this year. That would also enable some of positive [sic] crypto regulatory developments to support markets,&#8221; he submitted.
The positive cryptocurrency regulatory developments referenced by Duong likely refer to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/25/04/44758705/ripple-sec-move-to-end-legal-dispute-as-both-sides-withdraw-appeals">the less combative approach</a> regulators have taken to the sector under President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44420122/donald-trump-calls-for-stablecoin-legislation-lauds-bitcoin-reserve-biden-got-a-fraction-of-their-value">the push to pass pro-cryptocurrency regulation</a> before year-end.
Citing similar factors, Cardano founder <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44781236/why-cardano-founder-sees-bitcoin-hitting-250k-this-year-despite-trump-tariffs">Charles Hoskinson recently contended</a> that Bitcoin still had the potential to surge to a new price record of $250,000 this year. At the time of writing, however, the asset is struggling to hold above the $85,000 price point.
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Coinbase Institutional Says Several Signs Point To 'Crypto Winter' But Remains Optimistic About H2 2025

Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen anticipates that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will maintain its dominance over altcoins until there are alterations in the US monetary policy.
What Happened: In a video post on Wednesday, Cowen communicated his insights to his 892,000 YouTube subscribers. He anticipates that the total market cap of altcoins, excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, will persist in its decline against Bitcoin.
Cowen&#8217;s prediction is that Bitcoin will continue to outperform altcoins until the US Federal Reserve relaxes its monetary policy. &#8220;My base case right now for Bitcoin dominance is that it will likely go higher until quantitative tightening is over,&#8221; Cowen expressed in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMU14i4PIYk">post</a>.
The term Bitcoin dominance refers to the proportion of Bitcoin&#8217;s total market capitalization in comparison to all other crypto assets. A rise in Bitcoin dominance signifies that Bitcoin is either ascending faster than other crypto assets or its descent is less severe.
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Regarding the timeline for the Federal Reserve to relax its monetary policy, Cowen said, &#8220;Now, I don&#8217;t know how long it&#8217;s&nbsp;going to take them to&nbsp;end quantitative tightening, it&#8217;s&nbsp;possible they end it this&nbsp;summer.&#8221;
At the time of the report, Bitcoin was trading at $84,270.
Why It Matters: The dominance of Bitcoin over altcoins has significant implications for investors and the broader cryptocurrency market. If Bitcoin continues to outperform altcoins, it could lead to a consolidation of investment in Bitcoin, potentially driving its price even higher. 
Conversely, a shift in the US monetary policy that leads to an easing of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s current stance could disrupt this trend, leading to a more even distribution of investment across different cryptocurrencies. 
This prediction by Cowen provides valuable insight for investors navigating the volatile cryptocurrency market.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44065728/crypto-analyst-predicts-195-bitcoin-rally-says-bull-market-not-over-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto Analyst Predicts 195% Bitcoin Rally, Says Bull Market Not Over Yet</a>

This Crypto Analyst Forecasts Bitcoin's Superiority Over Altcoins Until This Happens

<ul>
<li>On Monday, Meta and the FTC began a faceoff in court over monopoly claims</li>
<li>If the FTC wins, Meta will be forced to sell off apps like Instagram and WhatsApp</li>
<li>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's relationship with President Donald Trump has been called into question, as many worry that it could potentially sway the outcome of the trial</li>
</ul>
The US government began a closely watched aantitrust case against Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) on Monday. The Federal Trade Commission's <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/191-0134-facebook-inc-ftc-v-ftc-v-meta-platforms-inc">suit alleges</a> that the company has illegally built a "social networking monopoly" through years of "anticompetitive conduct." Defending his company's actions, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand on the first day of proceedings, answering questions about the company's intentions in purchasing apps like Instagram and WhatsApp, and his oft-repeated philosophy "it's better to buy than compete," according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-ftc-antitrust-instagram-whatsapp-facebook-f602a09e86c9eb4538949572f72e8380">Associated Press</a>.&nbsp;
If the government wins the case, Meta will be forced to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp, and other tech giants, like Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>, GOOG)) and Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), would be put on notice.
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<li>Invest in the future of digital engagement: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/vatom-adv">Own a piece of the $100 billion Metaverse for just $500</a>.</li>
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Historically, the FTC has operated with a large degree of independence, meaning its investigators have been shielded from political pressure. But over the course of his second term, President Donald Trump seems to be bucking those norms. This could have a significant impact on the outcome of the case.
In January, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/technology/mark-zuckerberg-meta-trump.html">The New York Times</a> reported that Zuckerberg told employees, "We now have an opportunity to have a productive partnership with the United States government," and "we're going to take that." His comments came after months of private dinners with Trump and those his camp, trips to Mar-a-Lago, and policy changes on his platforms that benefited Trump. The Times reported earlier this month that Zuckerberg visited the White House to urge Trump to intervene in the case.
At the time, a Meta spokesman Andy Stone, told the Times that the company "regularly meets with policymakers to discuss issues impacting competitiveness, national security, and economic growth," essentially implying that the visit wasn't out of the norm. But still, the meeting has raised concerns that Zuckerberg and Meta have been unfairly attempting to sway the outcome in their favor.
Trending: Maker of a life-changing asthma device with 12,000+ patients waiting, FDA clearance, and a 67% drop in attacks — now <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-a-10k-bet-on-health-care-originals-could-have-skyrocketed-your-portfolio">taking final investors at just $1.52 per share.</a>
But the question remains, will it work? Maybe, maybe not.
The biggest hurdle will be the U.S. district judge assigned to the case, Judge James Boasberg. Described by Trump as a "Radical Left Lunatic," Boasberg has a nonpartisan record and a sterling reputation in legal circles. However, he has rejected Meta's bids to dismiss the suit once, and seems to be unswayed by Trump so far, ruling against the president's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members, although he was largely overruled by the Supreme Court.
But Meta isn't giving up. Ahead of the trial, a company spokesman told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/14/media/meta-ftc-trial/index.html">CNN</a>, "Regulators should be supporting American innovation, rather than seeking to break up a great American company and further advantaging China on critical issues like AI." And Meta reportedly plans to argue at trial that it remaining so large and expansive is critical, as it provides an American answer and competitor to foreign-owned platforms like TikTok and domestic competitors like YouTube and X, per CNN.&nbsp;
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<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.</li>
<li>BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

AMZN

GOOGL

Meta Faces An Antitrust Lawsuit, FTC Says Company Holds A 'Social Network Monopoly'

In a surprising turn of events, the&nbsp;acting commissioner of the Internal&nbsp;Revenue Service (IRS) has been replaced, following a dispute with billionaire&nbsp;Elon Musk. The move comes amidst increasing concerns over Musk&#8217;s influence within the Trump administration.
What Happened: The interim head of the IRS, Gary Shapley, was replaced after a disagreement with Musk. The report suggests that Musk, through his Department of Government Efficiency, had pushed for Shapley&#8217;s appointment, bypassing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
As per the report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/us/politics/irs-scott-bessent-elon-musk.html">by </a>New York Times, Bessent, who was reportedly unaware of Musk&#8217;s involvement, expressed his dissatisfaction to President Trump, who then approved the reversal of Shapley&#8217;s appointment.
The Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Michael Faulkender, is expected to step in as the acting head of the IRS. He will hold the position until the Senate approves the President&#8217;s nominee for the permanent role, former congressman Billy Long.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44778605/elon-musk-digging-my-own-grave-by-tying-himself-to-doge">Elon Musk: &#8216;Digging My Own Grave&#8217; by Tying Himself to DOGE</a>
This leadership change at the IRS is the latest in a series of temporary appointments under the Trump administration. 
The previous interim head, Melanie Krause, resigned after the Treasury Department decided to use IRS data to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in deporting undocumented immigrants.
The IRS has declined to comment on the situation. However, this incident underscores the growing concern over Musk&#8217;s&nbsp;influence in the Trump administration, adding to the existing turmoil within the IRS.
Why It Matters: This incident is indicative of the ongoing power struggles within the Trump administration, particularly regarding the influence of private sector figures like Musk. 
The frequent changes in leadership at the IRS, a crucial government agency, could potentially impact its effectiveness and stability. 
Moreover, the use of IRS data for immigration enforcement has raised ethical and legal questions, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43768756/privacy-concerns-emerge-as-elon-musks-doge-team-seeks-access-to-taxpayer-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Concerns Emerge As Elon Musk's DOGE Team Seeks Access to Taxpayer Data</a>

IRS Leadership Shakeup Following Clash With Elon Musk

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. markets faced heightened volatility this week as the Trump administration intensified trade restrictions, notably imposing new export controls on Nvidia's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) H20 AI chip to China. Nvidia projected a $5.5 billion revenue impact, leading to an 8.5% drop in its stock and a broader 3% decline in the semiconductor sector.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that the tariffs could exacerbate inflation, prompting criticism from President Donald Trump. Amid these tensions, gold prices surged to a record $3,330 per ounce, reflecting increased investor anxiety.
In corporate earnings, UnitedHealth Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) unexpected downward revision of its full-year guidance led to a 22.4% plunge in its stock — the steepest single-day drop since 1998. Conversely, Netflix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) reported strong performance, providing some optimism amid the market turbulence.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44877995/netflix-crushes-q1-says-its-working-hard-to-improve-and-expand-its-offering">"Netflix crushes Q1, says it's ‘working hard to improve and expand' its offering"</a>, by Chris Katje, reports that Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) exceeded expectations with $10.54 billion in Q1 revenue, a 12.5% year-over-year increase, driven by higher subscription and ad revenue, while emphasizing plans to enhance its content lineup — including the June 27 return of Squid Game — and expand its ad tech platform globally.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44824755/palantir-stock-is-on-fire-this-week-outpacing-broader-markets-whats-going-on">"Palantir stock is on fire this week, outpacing broader markets: What's going on?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) shares rose nearly 25% over five sessions after announcing a partnership with NATO Allied Command Operations to supply AI-enabled warfighting technology, a move Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called a "major win" that validates the company's platform.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44878381/eli-lilly-rallies-over-14-notches-best-day-since-june-2000-on-oral-weight-loss-drug-results-analysts-react">"Eli Lilly rallies over 14%, notches best day since June 2000 on oral weight-loss drug results: Analysts react"</a>, by Piero Cingari, reports that Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) shares surged 14.36% — marking their best day since June 2000 — after its oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron achieved significant weight loss and blood sugar control in a Phase 3 trial, prompting analysts to dub it a potential "Ozempic in a pill."
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44853443/hertz-stock-accelerates-into-the-close-shares-continue-to-move-higher-after-hours-heres-why">Hertz Stock Accelerates Into The Close, Shares Continue To Move Higher After Hours: Here's Why</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44870886/why-nvidia-meta-and-3-more-are-this-strategists-top-buys-this-week-and-why">Nvidia, Meta And 3 More Stocks Are This Strategist's Top Buys: Here's Why</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44817059/usa-rare-earth-stock-continues-to-surge-whats-going-on">USA Rare Earth Stock Continues To Surge: What's Going On?</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44860240/unitedhealth-slashes-2025-outlook-on-medicare-funding-reductions-stock-crashes">"UnitedHealth slashes 2025 outlook on Medicare funding reductions, stock crashes"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares plunged over 22% after the company cut its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $26–$26.50, citing higher-than-expected care activity in its Medicare Advantage business and reduced reimbursement rates.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44789084/starbucks-stock-brews-a-bitter-blend-of-boycotts-and-bearish-charts">"Starbucks Stock Brews A Bitter Blend Of Boycotts And Bearish Charts"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) shares have declined nearly 13% over the past month as the company faces political backlash from a viral #BoycottStarbucks campaign and bearish technical indicators, with the stock trading below its 8-, 20-, 50-, and 200-day simple moving averages.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44802241/applied-digital-q3-earnings-revenue-misses-estimates-despite-strong-cloud-services-growth-shares-slide">"Applied Digital Q3 earnings: Revenue misses estimates despite strong cloud services growth, shares slide"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>) posted third-quarter revenue of $52.9 million — falling short of analyst expectations of $63.42 million — while its Cloud Services division grew 220% year-over-year, and the company recorded an adjusted loss of 8 cents per share, beating estimates for an 11-cent loss.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44841356/chip-stocks-are-facing-selling-pressure-wednesday-heres-why">Chip Stocks Are Facing Selling Pressure Wednesday: Here's Why</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44850301/target-under-pressure-from-discretionary-spend-slowdown-mounting-inventory-risk-goldman-sachs-downgrades-stock">Target Under Pressure From Discretionary Spend Slowdown, Mounting Inventory Risk, Goldman Sachs Downgrades Stock</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44802015/us-electric-vehicle-sales-up-11-in-q1-as-tesla-declines-the-winners-and-losers">Tesla Loses Steam In Q1 While US EV Sales Climb: The Winners And Losers</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

APLD

NVDA

PLTR

SBUX

USAR

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Netflix, UnitedHealth, Eli Lilly — And Market Volatility Continues

The U.S. and Iran&nbsp;are reportedly poised to engage in a significant round of nuclear negotiations in Rome this Saturday.
What Happened: The discussions aim to resolve the enduring conflict over Tehran&#8217;s nuclear ambitions, with President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;warning of potential military action should diplomatic efforts falter.
Iran&#8217;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff&nbsp;will be involved in the talks indirectly through Omani mediators, according to a Reuters report.
This follows a productive initial round held in Muscat the previous week.
Araqchi confirmed his attendance in Rome via a Telegram post, highlighting Iran&#8217;s belief in a possible agreement if the U.S. takes a realistic stance.
While some Iranian officials have speculated about a rapid lifting of sanctions, Tehran has warned against expecting a swift resolution.
Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&nbsp;has maintained a neutral position, stating he is &#8220;neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic.&#8221;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44886711/trump-expresses-reluctance-to-escalate-china-tariffs-hints-at-trade-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Expresses Reluctance To Escalate China Tariffs, Hints At Trade Deal</a>
On Friday, Trump reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The U.S. demands Iran cease highly enriched uranium production, while Tehran seeks sanctions relief and assurances against future policy reversals. Both nations remain committed to diplomacy, despite significant differences.
Why It Matters: The upcoming talks in Rome follow a series of developments in U.S.-Iran relations.
Earlier this month, Iran expressed its willingness to engage in high-level discussions with the U.S., <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44758747/iran-signals-openness-to-nuclear-talks-with-us-warns-against-trumps-aggressive-theatrics">warning</a> against what it termed Trump&#8217;s "aggressive theatrics."
This openness came after Trump&#8217;s unexpected announcement of talks in Oman, a nation with a history of mediating between the West and Iran.
Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#8217;s potential visit to the White House to discuss key geopolitical issues, including Iran, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44657010/netanyahu-may-meet-trump-at-white-house-on-monday-with-tariffs-iran-and-gaza-on-the-table">underscores</a> the broader regional implications of these negotiations.
The stakes are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44855903/scott-bessent-warns-of-serious-risk-to-anyone-buying-iran-oil-crude-moves-up-us-futures-and-nikkei-post-modest-gains">further heightened</a> by warnings from financial experts like Scott Bessent, who highlighted the risks associated with buying Iranian oil amid rising crude prices.
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44888232/trumps-top-economic-adviser-kevin-hassett-says-white-house-is-exploring-options-to-fire-fed-chair-jerome-powell-t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Top Economic Adviser Kevin Hassett Says White House Is Exploring Options To Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell: &#8216;The President And His Team Will Continue To Study&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Global

US, Iran Set For Crucial Nuclear Talks In Rome Amid Tensions

A&nbsp;Boeing Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) aircraft, originally intended for delivery to China, was redirected back&nbsp;to the U.S. on&nbsp;Friday. This incident underscores the intensifying tariff dispute between Beijing and Washington.
What Happened: The jet, one of several awaiting final preparations at Boeing&#8217;s Zhoushan facility, was flown back to the U.S. without delivery. This move follows the imposition of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, which has disrupted the longstanding duty-free status of the aerospace industry.
According to Reuters, the aircraft, initially slated for Xiamen Airlines, was seen returning to Seattle via Guam.
The decision comes amid reports of a potential Chinese ban on Boeing imports, although no official statement has been made by Beijing.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44888445/ford-reportedly-halts-vehicle-shipments-to-china-amid-rising-tariffs">Ford Reportedly Halts Vehicle Shipments To China Amid Rising Tariffs</a>
Industry insiders have indicated that Boeing and its suppliers are preparing for a&nbsp;halt in deliveries to China, according to the report.
Despite discussions about storing undelivered jets in bonded facilities to avoid tariffs, the aircraft was repatriated.
The Air Current first reported the withdrawal of&nbsp;some undelivered jets from Zhoushan,&nbsp;noting that a Chinese airline had also backed out of leasing a Boeing plane.
Why It Matters: The decision to redirect the Boeing jet back to the U.S. is a direct consequence of the escalating trade tensions between the two economic giants.
The Trump administration recently announced tariffs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44831287/trump-administration-imposes-up-to-245-tariff-on-chinese-imports-amid-intensifying-trade-battle">of up to 245%</a> on Chinese imports, a move that has intensified the trade battle between the nations. This has led to retaliatory measures from China, including a potential ban on Boeing aircraft, which could significantly impact the aerospace industry.
China&#8217;s decision to halt Boeing purchases could also have repercussions for its own aircraft manufacturer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44883727/chinas-boeing-ban-could-backfire-on-its-own-aircraft-manufacturer-comac">Comac</a>, which relies heavily on U.S. technology. The move could hinder Comac&#8217;s efforts to become globally competitive, as highlighted in a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Analysts, including those <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44837703/chinas-ban-on-boeing-could-be-short-lived-but-trump-administration-cant-ignore-trade-fallout-warns-analyst">from</a>&nbsp;Bank of America, have warned that while the ban on Boeing could be temporary, the Trump administration cannot overlook the broader trade implications.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;following this link.</a>
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655841/if-youre-going-to-do-dumb-things-because-your-stock-goes-down-warren-buffetts-old-warning-gains-steam-as-us-stocks-wipe-out-5-trillion-after-trump-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;If You&#8217;re Going To Do Dumb Things Because Your Stock Goes Down…:&#8217; Warren Buffett&#8217;s Old Warning Gains Steam As US Stocks Wipe Out $5 Trillion After Trump Tariffs</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Boeing Jet Returns To US Amid Escalating Tariff Tensions With China

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44680699/alien-enemies-act-survives-court-challenge-trump-gains-green-light-for-swift-deportations">deportation of immigrants</a> under the Alien Enemies Act, drawing criticism from conservative justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.
What Happened: Early on Saturday morning, the Supreme Court issued a brief order halting deportations under the 18th-century law, which the Donald Trump administration had invoked to remove a group of Venezuelan immigrants in Texas, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/18/politics/boasberg-deportation-flights-alien-enemies-act/index.html">reported</a> CNN.
The immigrants, fearing imminent deportation, filed an emergency appeal, claiming they had not been given proper notice or a chance to challenge their removal.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="http://benzinga.com/25/04/44888232/trumps-top-economic-adviser-kevin-hassett-says-white-house-is-exploring-options-to-fire-fed-chair-jerome-powell-the-president-and-his-team-will-continue-to-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump's Top Economic Adviser Kevin Hassett Says White House Is Exploring Options To Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell: ‘The President And His Team Will Continue To Study'</a>
The court did not explain its decision but directed the Trump administration to respond after a federal appeals court in Louisiana reviews the case. The court's order stated that no members of the &#8220;putative class of detainees&#8221; could be removed until further instructions from the court.
Justice Alito and Justice Thomas dissented from the order. Alito questioned the need for the court's involvement, while Thomas expressed concern over the potential implications of halting the removals.
Why It&#8217;s Important: The case stems from a challenge to the Trump administration&#8217;s use <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44428767/trump-administration-failed-to-respond-to-court-order-on-deportation-flights-explain-non-compliance-by-tuesday-says-judge">of the Alien Enemies Act</a>, which allows the government to bypass normal immigration procedures and remove individuals from the country.
In a prior ruling, the Supreme Court had allowed the administration to proceed with deportations under the Act but required the government to provide notice and allow detainees to challenge their removal in court.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/25/03/44554189/openai-and-microsoft-back-mcp-standard-in-major-shift-toward-interoperable-ai-agents-that-can-think-click-and-navigate-the-web-but-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-appears-to-be-mulling-over-it-in-shakespearean-fashion-to-mcp-or-not-to-mcp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI And Microsoft Back MCP Standard For Web-Surfing AI Agents; Google&#8217;s Sundar Pichai Asks A Shakespearean Question</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Government

Legal

Media

Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Immigrant Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act By Trump White House: Conservative Judges Voice Dissent

Italy has joined the U.S. in opposing taxes on digital services, signaling a shift in its stance on a tax levied against major tech companies, including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, and Facebook-parent Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>).
What Happened: On Friday, Italy and the U.S. issued a joint statement condemning &#8220;discriminatory&#8221; digital taxes, reported Reuters.
In a statement following Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's meeting with President Joe Biden, the two nations agreed that a non-discriminatory environment for digital service taxation was essential for fostering investment from innovative tech companies.
"We agreed that a non-discriminatory environment in terms of digital services taxation is necessary to enable investments from cutting-edge tech companies," said the statement released after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the White House on Thursday.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44882049/peter-thiels-palantir-bags-30-million-order-from-ice-for-immigrant-tracking-system" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Thiel&#8217;s Palantir Bags $30 Million Order From ICE For Immigrant Tracking System</a>
European taxes targeting major U.S. tech firms like Alphabet&#8217;s Google, Meta&#8217;s Facebook, Apple, and Amazon have long been a point of contention for U.S. administrations, including during Donald Trump&#8217;s presidency.
Italy currently imposes a 3% tax on revenue from online transactions for digital companies with global sales of at least 750 million euros ($853.35 million), though the measure generates less than 500 million euros annually for the Italian government.
Although the tax brings in a relatively modest amount of revenue in a country with total budget spending exceeding 800 billion euros, Italy's digital levy remains a politically sensitive issue for Meloni.
While the joint statement did not specify whether Italy would completely scrap its 3% tax on digital revenue, it marked a significant shift in Italy's approach. It also said that Trump will be visiting Italy in the future, the report noted.
Why It&#8217;s Important: The joint statement between Italy and the U.S. comes amid a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions between the EU and the U.S.
The EU has been considering <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44784857/eu-threatens-additional-taxes-on-us-tech-giants-amid-ongoing-tariff-war-we-are-developing-retaliatory-measures-says-von-der-leyen">additional taxes on U.S. tech giants</a> if tariff negotiations with the Trump administration do not resolve. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that the EU is prepared to expand the trade war to include services, potentially taxing digital advertising revenues.
Kevin O&#8217;Leary, known for his role on "Shark Tank," previously argued that the EU's "zero-for-zero" tariff proposal on industrial goods presented a major chance for President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44706557/kevin-oleary-calls-eu-tariff-proposal-a-huge-opportunity-for-trump-to-find-an-off-ramp-amid-global-market-volatility">Trump to ease trade tensions</a>.
Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44756940/europe-china-eye-ev-price-pact-to-avert-trump-tariff-escalation-after-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-pushes-for-zero-eu-tariffs-amid-declining-sales">EU and China agreed to explore</a> setting minimum prices for Chinese-made electric vehicles as an alternative to the tariffs introduced last year.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Italy Joins US To Oppose 'Discriminatory' Digital Taxes On Big Tech Giants Like Apple, Amazon, Google, And Meta

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have given an ultimatum for the ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44455074/oil-rises-as-us-and-russia-begin-talks-in-saudi-arabia-for-ukraine-ceasefire-black-sea-deal">Russia-Ukraine peace talks</a>, stating that the U.S. will abandon efforts unless significant progress is made in the coming days.
What Happened: On Friday, Trump and Rubio expressed frustration over the lack of movement in the peace process between Russia and Ukraine, with Rubio stating that the U.S. would not continue its efforts for an extended period, reported Reuters.&nbsp;
&#8220;We&#8217;re not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I&#8217;m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks,&#8221; Rubio said during a meeting in Paris with European and Ukrainian leaders.
&#8220;Quickly, we want to get it done,&#8221; Trump told reporters at the White House. &#8220;Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we&#8217;re just going to say, &#8216;you&#8217;re foolish, you&#8217;re fools, you&#8217;re horrible people, and we&#8217;re going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won&#8217;t have to do that.&#8221;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43759646/russia-has-2-billion-trapped-in-us-banking-limbo-at-jpmorgan-what-happens-next" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russia Has $2 Billion Trapped in US Banking Limbo At JPMorgan — What Happens Next?</a>
While Trump did not provide a specific deadline for the peace talks, his comments signal growing impatience within the administration.
Why It&#8217;s Important: The U.S. has been pushing for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, with Trump previously stating during his campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.
However, Trump administration officials have privately conceded that the likelihood of swiftly securing a peace agreement in Ukraine is fading. According to three European diplomats, Rubio's latest remarks reflect mounting frustration within the White House over Russia's refusal to compromise, the report noted.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that some progress had been made toward a peace deal, though he described communications with Washington as challenging.
American officials also expressed irritation over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43769730/ukraine-raises-alarm-over-us-russia-talks-on-war-without-kyivs-involvement">accusation that Trump's special envoy</a>, Steve Witkoff, was "spreading Russian narratives," the report said, citing a U.S. official.
Thursday's discussions in Paris marked the first significant in-person talks involving European leaders as part of Trump's peace initiative. A U.S. official added that negotiations would continue in London next week, allowing Ukraine time to consider a proposed "term sheet" from Washington.&nbsp;
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Administration Sets Ultimatum For Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 'Not Going To Continue With This Endeavour For Weeks And Months,' Says Secretary Of State Rubio

Hertz Global Holdings Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NASDAQ">HTZ</a>) CEO&nbsp;Gil West&nbsp;expressed optimism following&nbsp;Bill Ackman&#8216;s significant investment in the company.
What Happened:&nbsp;Ackman&#8217;s firm,&nbsp;Pershing Square Capital Management, revealed a substantial stake in Hertz, boosting the company&#8217;s stock price.
Ackman&#8217;s investment firm increased its position in Hertz to 19.8%, making it the second-largest shareholder. This move follows a regulatory filing that initially showed a 4.1% stake by the end of 2024.
"Let me start by saying I am humbled, and we should all feel encouraged by Bill Ackman's comments and energized by the strong support shown by him, Pershing Square Capital Management, and others who share confidence in our strategy," <a href="https://newsroom.hertz.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hertz-exits-chapter-11-much-stronger-company">said</a> West.
Ackman&nbsp;received an exemption from the&nbsp;SEC to delay filing, allowing for additional share accumulation.
West, who took the helm at Hertz in April 2024, shared his thoughts&nbsp;in an internal message to&nbsp;employees.
He emphasized the importance of Ackman&#8217;s endorsement, describing it as a testament to the company&#8217;s progress and the relentless efforts of its workforce.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44809515/george-soros-cathie-wood-backed-autonomous-trucking-firm-kodiak-robotics-set-to-go-public-via-spac-merger-to-tap-4-trillion-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Soros, Cathie Wood-Backed Autonomous Trucking Firm Kodiak Robotics Set To Go Public Via SPAC Merger To Tap $4 Trillion Market</a>
Hertz, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2021, has faced challenges, including a $2.9 billion loss in 2024. The company is now focused on its turnaround plan, including a shift from its previous electric vehicle strategy.
Why It Matters: The investment by&nbsp;Bill Ackman&nbsp;comes at a crucial time for Hertz, as the company seeks to regain its footing after significant financial setbacks.
On April 16, Hertz shares surged by 25% in pre-market trading after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44840772/hertz-stock-zooms-25-pre-market-bill-ackmans-pershing-square-makes-46-5m-bet">Ackman disclosed a $46.5 million investment</a>, signaling strong market confidence in the company&#8217;s potential recovery.
Moreover, Ackman <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44878275/billionare-investor-bill-ackman-posts-hertz-investment-thesis-proposes-av-fleet-partnership-with-uber">shared</a> his investment thesis, proposing a potential partnership with Uber for an autonomous vehicle fleet. This strategic vision aligns with Hertz&#8217;s efforts to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing market.
As Hertz continues its turnaround strategy, Ackman&#8217;s endorsement and strategic insights could play a pivotal role in shaping the company&#8217;s future trajectory, providing both financial support and visionary guidance.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: vieninsweden / Shutterstock

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