Newborn savings accounts a ‘back door for privatizing Social Security,' Bessent says
The so-called 'Trump accounts' enacted as part of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' give newborns a $1,000 savings account that can be invested with tax deferred treatment. Families or their employers can make $5,000 contributions to the accounts each year until the beneficiary turns 18 years old.
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Hamilton Spectator
a few seconds ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Prime Minister Mark Carney responds
Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement just past midnight on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 35 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. On Thursday Trump declared the rate hike on products that don't comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). 'While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUMSA, which is the world's second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume,' Carney's statement read. 'The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners. Other sectors of our economy — including lumber, steel, aluminum and automobiles — are, however, heavily impacted by U.S. duties and tariffs.' Read the full statement here.
Newsweek
a minute ago
- Newsweek
Could You Complete The Presidential Fitness Test?
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. It was once a rite of passage for millions of American schoolchildren before being phased out under the Obama administration. But now public school students across the U.S. once again face being rated on their strength, endurance and flexibility under an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test signed by Donald Trump on Thursday. What is the Presidential Fitness Test? The original program, which was replaced in 2012, was formalized in 1966 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to "promote good health" and provide "sturdy young citizens equal to the challenges of the future." It typically assessed students aged 6 to 17 in public schools at least twice yearly. Top-performing students could receive the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. While President Trump's executive order did not detail the exact structure of the revived test, core elements of the assessment remained consistent over the decades. President Donald Trump speaks as, from left, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Vice President JD Vance, and from right, Former NFL football player Lawrence Taylor, Health and... President Donald Trump speaks as, from left, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Vice President JD Vance, and from right, Former NFL football player Lawrence Taylor, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., WWE CCO Triple H, Kansas City Chiefs NFL football player Harrison Butker and Golfer Bryson DeChambeau listen before Trump signs an executive order restarting the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools More Associated Press These were: One-Mile Run : Students had to run one mile as quickly as possible. : Students had to run one mile as quickly as possible. Sit-Ups : Participants performed as many sit-ups as possible within one minute. : Participants performed as many sit-ups as possible within one minute. Pull-Ups or Push-Ups : Attempted maximum amount : Attempted maximum amount Sit-and-Reach : Students reached forward from a seated position to test flexibility. : Students reached forward from a seated position to test flexibility. Shuttle Run: Participants ran back and forth between lines 30 feet apart, testing agility and speed. Students' performances were measured against national standards and qualifying percentiles for recognition. Those who scored at or above the 85th percentile typically received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, while others may have received a certificate for participation. The test was overhauled in 2012 by the Obama administration, which sought to emphasize personal health goals rather than athletic performance. But in a White House ceremony Thursday afternoon, Trump signed the order reestablishing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and the fitness test. In announcing its return, the President said it was a "wonderful tradition", white House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President wants "every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come" Vice President J.D. Vance said the effort was a response to concerns about excessive screen time. Kennedy Jr., who will oversee the rollout of the program, said at the order's signing: "We need to re-instill that spirit of competition and that commitment to nutrition and physical fitness." What Happens Next It is not clear when the new test will launch. The Trump administration has directed the newly formed President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to design updated criteria under chairman and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
Associated Press
a minute ago
- Associated Press
Democrats launching summer blitz to press Republicans on Trump spending plan
NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats are launching a nationwide summer blitz designed to force vulnerable Republicans to defend President Donald Trump's big tax breaks and spending cuts bill — especially Medicaid cuts that will leave millions of Americans without health care coverage. Republican leaders in Washington, meanwhile, have encouraged their members to promote more popular aspects of the bill during smaller controlled appearances where GOP officials are less likely to face difficult questions or protests. The Democratic National Committee's so-called 'Organizing Summer' will feature events in all 50 states, beginning with Alaska, Texas, Colorado and California over the coming week. The party's message will be reinforced by online advertising and billboard trucks at state and county fairs in the coming days targeting vulnerable House Republicans in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey, among other states. 'As Democrats, our job is to ensure that every American across the country understands the devastating impacts of this bill,' DNC Chair Ken Martin said. 'Democrats will be holding events, highlighting Republican hypocrisy, and ensuring Americans across the country know exactly who is responsible for taking away health care, food, construction jobs, and nursing homes in order to give massive handouts to billionaires.' The massive Republican-backed tax and spending package that Trump called 'big, beautiful' and signed into law on July 4 may ultimately become the defining issue of next year's midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress for Trump's final two years in office. Republicans are touting the bill as a tax cut for all Americans, but polling suggests that voters have been slow to embrace the GOP's message. The new law will add $3.4 trillion to federal deficits through 2034, leave more than another 10 million people without health insurance and leave millions of others without food stamps, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. For much of the year, Republican officials have avoided town hall meetings with constituents or public appearances where they might face protesters or unscripted questions from voters. GOP members of Congress may be slightly more visible this summer, however, according to a memo distributed this week by the House Republican campaign arm. The memo encourages Republicans to be proactive in selling Trump's bill during the August recess, although the National Republican Campaign Committee suggests its members focus on tax cuts in smaller settings they can control. Among the NRCC's suggestions outlined in the memo: 'Visit a local hospital and discuss how you voted for no tax on overtime,' 'stop by a restaurant to highlight your vote on no tax on tips' and 'work the counter at a local store and chat about your work to lower costs.' The monthlong August break 'is a critical opportunity to continue to define how this legislation will help every voter and push back on Democrat fearmongering,' the Republican memo says. Democrats are planning a decidedly more public campaign this month than their Republican rivals, although they'll also offer 'multi-day intensive bootcamps' as part of a training program for political operatives and community leaders. Events are being planned for all 50 states with special focus on 35 of the most competitive congressional districts in the country. Current and former Democratic officials will be featured, including former Rep. Gabby Giffords, who emerged as a leader against gun violence since her 2011 assassination attempt. As part of the new effort, the Democratic National Committee is also launching a new digital advertising campaign initially targeting vulnerable Republicans in Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia. That's in addition to the DNC sending mobile billboard trucks to county fairs in the districts of Republicans in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 'Trump's big ugly bill: $4 trillion giveaway to billionaires. The rest of us pay the price,' read the billboards, which will feature the name and face of each Republican congressman. And as Republicans search for an effective message to sell Trump's bill, Democrats are increasingly confident. 'The big, ugly law is a political disaster,' said Viet Shelton, spokesman for the House Democrats campaign arm. 'Everyone hates it and vulnerable House Republicans know it, which is why they're scared to face their constituents in person during the August recess.'
