The Global Stakes of Germany's Election
The Forecast
Plus: tariffs, quantum computing and the chances of a 'DOGE dividend.'
Welcome back to The Forecast, where we help you think about the future — from next week to next decade.
This week we're looking at Germany's election (happening today) — as well as tariffs, quantum computing and the chances of a 'DOGE dividend.'
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Newsweek
23 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Warns Supreme Court 'Fans the Flames'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a warning about the nation's highest court in her latest dissent over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'s access to Social Security systems. Newsweek reached out to the Supreme Court's public information office email for comment. Why It Matters Jackson, the newest justice on the bench, warned that conservative justices are rushing to assist President Donald Trump's administration in the ruling handed down last week. Her warning comes as public trust in the Supreme Court remains low—the Pew Research Center found in August 2024 that a majority of American—51 percent—view the court unfavorably, while only 47 percent view the court favorably. Until 2022, Americans viewed the court favorably for decades. What to Know The court allowed DOGE, the task force aimed at cutting federal spending, to gain access to Social Security Administration (SSA) records last Friday. The relief came after U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander blocked the task force from gaining access to the systems over concerns about privacy implications. The court's three liberal justices dissented, with Jackson raising concerns about the court's ruling. When deciding questions like whether to grant or block an order issued by a lower court, the court assesses several factors including whether the applicant would face irreparable harm by allowing the stay to continue. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks during a confirmation hearing on March 22, 2022. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks during a confirmation hearing on March 22, 2022. MANDEL NGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images In her dissent, Justice Jackson wrote that the government did not substantiate its stay request "by showing that it or the public will suffer irreparable harm" if the court allowed the block to stay in place awaiting a final verdict. Jackson said the only "urgency" underlying the application is the "mere fact that it cannot be bothered to wait for the litigation process to play out before proceeding as it wishes." "That sentiment has traditionally been insufficient to justify the kind of extraordinary intervention the Government seeks," Jackson wrote. "But, once again, this Court dons its emergency-responder gear, rushes to the scene, and uses its equitable power to fan the flames rather than extinguish them." Jackson is "clearly expressing her frustration with the use of the shadow docket to make public policy, something the Court's conservatives have been increasingly willing to do," Paul Collins, professor of legal studies and political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told Newsweek. "Public trust in the Court has fallen significantly in recent years, and Justice Jackson is likely linking the decline in public support for the Court to the growth in the use of the shadow docket," Collins said. Jackson issued a similar warning in the case Noem v. Doe in May. The case dealt with whether the administration could end a program giving residency to several countries facing domestic turmoil. She wrote the court "botched" its assessment and required "next to nothing from the Government with respect to irreparable harm." What People Are Saying Collins told Newsweek: "I think Justice Jackson's interpretation that the Court is rushing to side with the Trump Administration is a reasonable read of things. However, this probably has more to do with ideological alignment with the goals of the Trump Administration than with a particular affinity for President Trump. For instance, the Court's conservatives also sided with the Trump Administration in a case that would have required DOGE to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests." SSA Commissioner Bisignano to Newsweek via X last Friday: "The Supreme Court's ruling is a major victory for American taxpayers. The Social Security Administration will continue driving forward modernization efforts, streamlining government systems, and ensuring improved service and outcomes for our beneficiaries." Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wrote on X on Friday: "MAJOR UPDATE: The Supreme Court just handed DOGE the keys to all the sensitive personal information Social Security has on file — your income, benefits, health records, and more. Why do Donald Trump and his cronies need access to millions of Americans' private data? It's absurd." What Happens Next Several pieces of Trump's agenda are facing legal battles, and the Supreme Court will continue playing a major role in determining whether his policies are constitutional or not moving forward. This has major implications for economic, immigration and social policy moving forward.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Elizabeth Warren Demands Probe Into Alleged Student Loan Data Breach Amid Push To Dismantle Education Department
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is calling for an independent investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency's alleged access to sensitive student loan data, raising questions about privacy and security of federal education systems managing trillions in student debt. What Happened: Warren requested the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General to review DOGE's access to the agency's internal federal student loan database, reported ABC News. 'The full extent of DOGE's role and influence at ED remains unknown,' Warren wrote in a letter obtained by ABC News. The Federal Student Aid systems handle a $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio for over 40 million borrowers. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share. Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold. Ten Democratic senators joined Warren's request, saying the Education Department refused to disclose information about DOGE's database access scope. The department cited 'ongoing litigations' when declining to answer questions about data security measures and employee access protocols. Education Secretary Linda McMahon testified that DOGE employees received standard agency access levels during their audit to identify waste and fraud. Warren's separate investigation raised concerns about a DOGE employee whose database access was revoked, with questions remaining about other system privileges. Why It Matters: Warren's concerns reflect broader scrutiny of DOGE operations. House Democrats previously alleged the agency is building an unlawful cross-agency master database, with whistleblowers reporting DOGE engineers consolidating sensitive federal data systems. Warren is also part of a group of Senate democrats behind the Protecting Seniors' Data Act of 2025, which would instruct the Government Accountability Office to conduct audits of all SSA systems accessed by DOGE staff. Federal courts recently blocked Trump administration attempts to transfer student loan oversight from Education to Small Business Administration, maintaining current departmental structure. Despite DOGE's claimed $150 billion savings target, federal spending increased $154 billion since Trump's return to office. Warren's 'Save Our Schools' campaign opposes administration efforts to dismantle the Education Department, citing potential consequences for borrowers as the agency faces staff reductions and operational changes. Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they're on pace — here's a breakdown on what's behind this formula. Bezos' Favorite Real Estate Platform Launches A Way To Ride The Ongoing Private Credit Boom Image via Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Elizabeth Warren Demands Probe Into Alleged Student Loan Data Breach Amid Push To Dismantle Education Department originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
DOGE Has Work Left to Do
Given Elon Musk's departure from the Department of Government Efficiency, where should DOGE go from here? The Trump administration created the department to reduce government fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. As a special government employee, Mr. Musk was prevented by law from working more than 130 days a year in that role—but that doesn't mean the effort should end with his exit. Since January, DOGE has conducted a review of a range of government information systems, and the team's work has significantly increased public concern over waste and abuse in the federal government. Building on the work done by the Government Accountability Office and the inspectors general of various agencies, DOGE's efforts have reinforced the need for updated information systems, stronger internal controls and modern management practices.
