
Nvidia's power play: How Jensen Huang got Trump to rethink the China AI chip ban
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been active on the government relations and lobbying front, and now he's got something big to show for his efforts: the Trump Administration has agreed to lift a ban on selling Nvidia H20 AI chips to China.
Huang met with leaders in both Washington and Beijing, arguing that the AI revolution is a tide that will lift all boats—that AI technology can boost business productivity, raise the standard of living, and improve GDP for both the U.S. and China. He emphasized that the best way for America to maintain an edge in the AI race is to ensure the world's AI models and apps run best on chips made by a U.S.-based company.
The U.S. (under Biden) initially began restricting sales of Nvidia's most powerful chips to China in an effort to slow Beijing's AI ambitions. The Trump Administration later doubled down, effectively banning sales of the H20 back in April. As a result, Nvidia reported a loss of about $2.5 billion in sales during its quarter ending in April, and projected it would miss out on another $8 billion in the quarter ending in July.
Huang apparently persuaded the Trump Administration to reverse course. His argument likely sounded something like this: 'Our mission, properly expressed, is that in order for America to have AI leadership is to make sure that the American tech stack is available to markets all over the world so that amazing developers, including the ones in China, are able to build on the American tech stack so that AI runs best on the American tech stack,' Huang said during a recent interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria. Huang also noted that half of the world's AI researchers 'are in China and Chinese.'
Huang seems to be suggesting that the U.S. can retain technological dominance by controlling the platform AI runs on—similar to how it maintains financial dominance by ensuring most world trade is based on the dollar. There may be some truth to that. But it raises important questions: What does such control actually mean? Will the U.S. be able to dictate how the Chinese use the chips? No—no more than it did when DeepSeek used the H20 to build its world-class models. Is Huang implying that the U.S. could collect information about Chinese AI activities through these chips (as the U.S. once accused China of doing through Huawei)? That seems very doubtful.
There's no doubt that Nvidia and its shareholders benefit when the world's AI is built on its chips and software—but is America really better off? And if Huang truly believes the best AI chips shouldn't be restricted, doesn't it follow that he'll also ask the Trump Administration for permission to sell China its most powerful Blackwell chips, too?
Fears grow that the U.S. government will use AI to surveille
Six months into a chaotic second Trump presidency, new reports have emerged suggesting the government is increasingly interested in using AI tools to track and profile U.S. residents. According to multiple whistleblowers and insiders, agents of Elon Musk's DOGE are actively working to build a centralized, cross-agency database of Americans' personal information—some of it highly sensitive.
The Washington Post reported in May that DOGE is rapidly constructing a centralized database that includes Social Security numbers, medical records, and tax files—doing so without regard for federal data privacy rules, and without standard oversight or even interagency agreements.
From the outset, DOGE has pushed past barriers and sidelined individuals to gain access to data stored at the Treasury, Office of Personnel Management, Social Security Administration, Health and Human Services, and the Departments of Education and Labor,
Meanwhile, concerns are also growing about how other agencies may be using AI to expand surveillance capabilities. ProPublica reported this week that the Internal Revenue Service is now developing a computer program that would give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officers unprecedented access to confidential tax data belonging to millions of American taxpayers, including their home addresses. In the past, ICE requested IRS data only for individuals it was actively investigating—typically no more than a dozen at a time. The new system could serve as a mass surveillance tool, possibly using AI, to identify new deportation targets. Due process may be a secondary concern.
Adding to the unease, FedScoop reported last week that the General Services Administration is considering using an AI model developed by Elon Musk's xAI to process the personal data of American citizens.
Palantir (cofounded by Trump ally Peter Thiel) has become deeply embedded within agencies across the federal government. Its AI is used for data integration, analysis, and decision-making at defense and intelligence agencies, as well as FEMA, ICE, and HHS. Critics have raised concerns about the breadth and depth of data Palantir can access, and the lack of transparency regarding how its systems function.
After 9/11, Palantir began addressing the government's urgent need to make sense of the vast volumes of intelligence data it was collecting on potential terrorist operatives and events both domestically and abroad. Since then, the use of Palantir's platform has only grown—and it could easily be leveraged to form deep profiles on regular American citizens.
AWS launches a one-stop shop for enterprise AI Agents
Amazon's AWS cloud division is placing a big bet on AI agents. At this week's AWS Summit in New York City, the company unveiled 'AI Agents and Tools,' a new section within the AWS Marketplace designed as a kind of concierge service for businesses looking to buy, deploy, and manage AI agents. The store will feature agents from AWS, as well as third parties like Anthropic, IBM, Perplexity, and Salesforce. Typically, AI agents can store large amounts of information about a company and its workflows, and can reason through tasks.
For existing AWS customers, the platform will likely simplify the process of integrating AI agents with AI models—allowing both to reside within the same secure cloud environment as their data. Amazon AWS is bundling everything companies need—databases, security tools, IT support, and deployment infrastructure—into one streamlined experience. Businesses will be able to describe their automation needs in plain English to an AI-powered search tool and receive customized recommendations on which agents are best suited for the job.
Gartner predicts that agents will automate half of all business decisions by 2027. And no company wants to fall behind while competitors gain new efficiencies. However, building custom agents from scratch can be a major challenge for corporate IT departments, often requiring significant additional infrastructure and integration work. The new AWS agent platform and marketplace could help eliminate those hurdles.
AWS is optimistic about the potential. 'It upends the way software is built,' said AWS VP for Agentic AI Swami Sivasubramanian at the announcement. 'It also introduces a host of new challenges to deploying and operating it, and potentially most impactfully, it changes how software interacts with the world—and how we interact with software.'
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USA Today
21 minutes ago
- USA Today
AI can give us architecture even Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson will love
Artificial intelligence could be used as a tool to restore medieval European cathedrals while robotic arms could assist traditional Bhutanese craftsmen in carving intricate designs into wood. Political commentator Tucker Carlson isn't shy about expressing his opinions, whether the topic is building political coalitions or building buildings. He once bemoaned 'the oppression of post-modern architecture, which is designed to ... destroy your spirit.' Carlson considered Moscow an exception − prompting one commenter to retort that Moscow is filled with 'spirit-destroying architecture. … The vast majority of the city is Soviet-built grey cement rectangles as far as the eye can see.' Carlson and his political foes seem to find rare common ground in viewing modern architecture as soul-crushing. Data shows more traditional designs are widely preferred on a bipartisan basis. Recent polling by the National Civic Art Society found that 72% of Americans across political, racial, gender and class lines prefer traditional architecture for U.S. courthouses and federal office buildings. During his first administration, President Donald Trump even issued an executive order intended to "Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again." (It was later overturned.) Traditional architecture is really a broadly held preference. The aforementioned 2020 poll shows that support for traditional design crosses political lines, with large majorities of Democrats (70%), Republicans (73%) and independents (73%) all favoring it. Modern technology makes preservation work easier I count myself among those who favor traditional architecture. There's no shortage of fascinating contemporary work, from Zaha Hadid's bold experimentation to curiosities like Switzerland's recent 3D-printed tower. Yet for me, and for many others, the enduring beauty and detail of older architecture simply hold greater appeal. There's encouraging news for those of us who appreciate traditional architectural styles and rich ornamentation. There has arguably never been a better time to indulge personal aesthetic tastes. Whether your preference leans toward minimalism or ornate detail, brutalism or baroque grandeur, modern technology has dramatically reduced the cost and complexity of building, restoration and renovation. Artificial intelligence could be used as a tool to restore medieval European cathedrals while robotic arms could assist traditional Bhutanese craftsmen in carving intricate designs into wood. At no point in history has it been easier or more accessible to customize one's environment. Recently, a Danish man renovated his plain-looking home into a miniature medieval castle, complete with a functional drawbridge and a moat. However, this trend extends well beyond eccentric personal projects. Opinion: Nvidia CEO says Trump gives America an advantage on AI. Hear that, progressives? Architectural traditions are worth preserving Many large-scale structures also pay tribute to the past. A museum built in 1966 in California was designed in the style of an ancient Egyptian temple. Another Californian museum that opened in 1974 emulates a palatial ancient Roman villa. The Wat Rong Khun, a Buddhist temple built in 1997, features intricate carving in the style of classic Thai architecture. An enormous church in Belgrade, Serbia, displays stunning and meticulously crafted Byzantine details. Entire neighborhoods are embracing historic styles, too. Poundbury in the United Kingdom, a new take on traditional British architectural heritage championed by King Charles III, exemplifies this trend. The riverside town of Occoquan, Virginia, features a district filled with newly constructed homes in a charming Victorian style. The homes' paint colors were painstakingly sourced from historical period references. The result is indistinguishable (at least to my eyes) from a well-preserved genuine Victorian neighborhood. Not only can modern people recreate traditional aesthetics, humanity is getting better at preserving the authentic architecture that has managed to survive from past eras. The restoration of the medieval Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after it was partially destroyed in a fire in 2019 demonstrates how modern people can bring back ancient architectural majesty. When Notre Dame reopened in December 2024, the cathedral had the same ornate Gothic beauty as before, in addition to newly installed cutting-edge fire prevention systems. News reports noted in awe how 'concerns in the wake of the fire that the craftsmanship required to build the cathedral in the Middle Ages no longer existed in modern times' proved false. Opinion: As a Paris tour guide who ignored Notre Dame, I forgot ancient cities don't last forever Humanity has the means to revive the ornate aesthetics of the past, but of course some people prefer modern minimalism. Notre Dame now features a bronze altar in a style labeled 'noble simplicity,' in sharp contrast to the surrounding building with its Corinthian columns, stained glass windows, carved gargoyles, pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. This juxtaposition is telling. Ultimately, whether traditional architecture moves you or modern aesthetics inspire you, you are living in a remarkable era, a true golden age of architecture where every style thrives. Chelsea Follett is the managing editor of and a policy analyst in the Cato Institute's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity.


Business Wire
21 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Torani's Opportunity-Driven Manufacturing Strategy Powers Climb Toward $1 Billion
SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As U.S. manufacturers struggle to hire and retain talent, century-old flavor company Torani is defying this trend by growing and scaling its manufacturing, leading the way to a bold future for the industry. The mid-market company is rapidly expanding its San Francisco Bay Area operations with an exceptionally high retention rate of 94.8%, well above the manufacturing industry average of 71.4%. Torani's average employee tenure is five and a half years—far surpassing the national average of 3.9 years, even with 44% of the team hired in just the last two years during a period of rapid growth. Share With roughly 1.8 million monthly layoffs in the U.S. and nearly 2 million manufacturing jobs expected to go unfilled by 2033, Torani is achieving the opposite of these figures as it steadily fills manufacturing roles and maintains a track record of zero layoffs for 100 years and counting. Torani's state-of-the-art 'Flavor Factory' isn't built on automation alone; it's also powered by opportunity. As a fiercely independent, people-first 'opportunity company,' Torani's workforce is its growth engine. The company's average employee tenure is five and a half years—far surpassing the national average of 3.9 years, even with 44% of the team hired in just the last two years during a period of rapid growth. By consistently evolving its business strategy, offering valuable upskilling programs, and providing team members with long-term wealth-building opportunities, Torani is charting the course for the future of U.S. manufacturing. 'At Torani, we're rewriting the rules of American manufacturing and proving that being an 'opportunity company' is the best way to build a thriving business,' said Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco. 'We believe that businesses can and should create more opportunities for people to get ahead—both economically, and in learning, growth, and development. When our team members stay for decades and choose to build long-term careers here, that's the strongest validation of our purpose.' Team member satisfaction is also evident from the number of employees bringing family members into roles at the growing company. With over 20 families working side by side at Torani, team members aren't just proud to be employed here; they trust that it's a future-ready, values-driven company where their loved ones can also grow and thrive. Torani's approach is working: the company has seen an average 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) consistently for over three decades, with its products found in 9 million U.S. households and in 30 countries. Torani surpassed $500 million in annual revenue last year, with $1 billion in sight by 2030. The company has achieved this all while operating and scaling in one of the country's most expensive markets—the San Francisco Bay Area, known as a hub for the high-tech industry. Torani recently expanded its operations to include over 630,000 square feet in San Leandro, CA, making it not only one of the region's few remaining food and beverage manufacturers, but also one of the largest. The steady undercurrent of success powering Torani's growth lies in its unique 'people-first' principles that fuel both short and long-term opportunities for its team of over 400 employees. Creating Opportunity Onramps Torani offers its team members several pathways to learn, grow, and develop, including 'Career Mixology,' which empowers employees to pivot to different roles and departments. 'Skill Blocks' enable Torani's front-line team members to acquire specialized skills, each opening the door to earn more income. Torani also embraces a philosophy of 'automate and elevate,' where instead of eliminating jobs through automation, it leverages automation as a tool to build team members' skills and elevate their workflows, thus growing their compensation. The company has unlocked tremendous potential in its internal training programs to reimagine its manufacturing department, making it more inclusive, empowering, and geared for long-term growth. While these initiatives are still in relatively early stages, Torani has established a strong foundation, with team members' progress pointing to a meaningful long-term impact. Efforts will be accelerated in the coming year as the company doubles down on its commitment to these programs. Fair Wages + Employee Ownership Torani believes that compensation should be about more than just pay; it should create opportunities. While many manufacturing companies pay minimum wage and offer minimal benefits to entry-level employees, Torani's approach is a more holistic approach. For entry-level manufacturing roles, the company ensures that team members have competitive base pay, long-term wealth building financial opportunities, benefits, and pathways to build important, transferable skills. In addition to receiving competitive base compensation, all Torani team members share in the growing company's success. Team members in frontline roles receive multiple long-term financial benefits, including a minimum of 5% of their salary in an employee stock ownership program (ESOP), 5% in financial bonuses, and 5% in profit sharing. While some companies only offer these benefits to some employees, Torani offers all of them to every employee. This unique approach to wealth-building allows team members who start in entry-level, hourly roles to accumulate $1 million or more in assets after 25 years and $1.6 million or more after 30 years of employment. Generational Employment At Torani, over 12% of the company's 400 team members have family working alongside them, a reflection of the company's deep-rooted culture and its commitment to generational opportunity and long-term career growth. 'Torani is a place where people support each other and build lasting careers,' said Dio Mejia, a Torani team member of 12 years who started in manufacturing before moving to an automation and controls technician role last year. 'That's why I've encouraged my family members to join over time—because we see a future here. As the company evolves, so do the opportunities for all of us to grow together.' Since starting at Torani in 2013, Dio has referred his two daughters, Yna and Kiana, to manufacturing roles at the company. They have now worked at Torani for seven and five years, respectively, with Yna transitioning into a processing position and Kiana transitioning to a quality assurance role through the company's 'Career Mixology' program. Torani also offers a unique internship program, focused on creating valuable first job opportunities. Prioritizing immediate relatives of current team members (with a focus on front-line employees), the program does not require participants to be enrolled in higher education programs. Participants gain visibility into a wide range of potential career paths—including manufacturing, marketing, customer service, social impact, and more—to generate powerful resume boosters to fuel more opportunities ahead, including within the company. Manufacturing With Purpose With a motto of 'flavor for all, opportunity for all,' Torani isn't just generating opportunities internally for its team members; it's also expanding its impact outside its walls and creating opportunities across various communities. A certified B Corp since 2019, the company weaves purpose into all facets of its business. With the recent release of its ' Flavor of the Century,' Torani Diamond Syrup, Torani is giving 100% of profits to non-profit organizations creating work readiness and first job opportunities for at-risk youth, adults with intellectual disabilities, and justice-impacted individuals. With 100 years of innovation and resilience under its belt, Torani is setting the standard for U.S. manufacturing and redefining what's possible by creating opportunities at every level. About Torani Torani is deeply committed to being an amazing flavor company whose purpose is 'flavor for all, opportunity for all.' Established in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in 1925, we put Italian sodas on the U.S. map in the 1920s and created the world's first flavored latte in the 1980s. From the beginning, we've used only the best ingredients, like natural flavors and pure cane sugar, to craft flavors that are vibrant and delicious. Enjoyed in cafes, restaurants, and home kitchens for 100 years, Torani strives to lead flavor innovation globally while remaining a fiercely independent, people-first Bay Area business. In practice and life beyond the bottle, Torani is a certified B Corp that believes businesses should create more opportunity, and we're dedicated to helping all the people, partners, and communities we touch thrive. Learn more at


Boston Globe
21 minutes ago
- Boston Globe
Top Chinese, US trade officials huddle in Sweden for second day of thorny talks over tariffs
The United States has struck deals over tariffs with some of its key trading partners — including Britain, Japan and the European Union — since President Donald Trump announced 'Liberation Day' tariffs against dozens of countries in April. China remains perhaps the biggest unresolved case. Advertisement 'The Chinese have been very pragmatic,' Greer said in comments posted on social media by his office late Monday. 'Obviously we've had a lot of tensions over the years. We have tensions now, but the fact that we are regularly meeting with them to address these issues gives us a good footing for these negotiations.' 'Whether there will be a deal or not, I can't say,' Greer added in the clip posted on X from MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'. 'Whether there's room for an extension, I can't say at this point. But the conversations are constructive and they're going in the right direction.' Many analysts expect that the Stockholm talks, at a minimum, will result in an extension of current tariff levels that are far lower than the triple-digit percentage rates as the U.S.-China tariff tiff crescendoed in April, sending world markets into a temporary tailspin. Advertisement The two sides backed off the brink during bilateral talks in Geneva in May and agreed to a 90-day pause — which is set to end on Aug. 12 — of those sky-high levels. They currently stand at U.S. tariffs of 30% on Chinese goods, and China's 10% tariff on U.S. products. Other issues on the agenda include access of American businesses to the Chinese market; Chinese investment in the U.S.; components of fentanyl made in China that reach U.S. consumers; Chinese purchases of Russian and Iranian oil; and American steps to limit exports of Western technology, like chips that help power artificial intelligence systems. Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator and now vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said that Trump's team would face challenges from 'a large and confident partner that is more than willing to retaliate against U.S. interests.' Rollover of tariff rates 'should be the easy part,' she said, warning that Beijing has learned lessons since the first Trump administration and 'will not buy into a one-sided deal this time around.' On Monday, police have cordoned off a security zone along Stockholm's vast waterfront as rubbernecking tourists and locals sought a glimpse of the top-tier officials through a phalanx of TV news cameras lined up behind metal barriers. Flagpoles at the prime minister's office were festooned with the American and Chinese flags.