Nancy Pelosi: 'This is criminal…': Nancy Pelosi slams Trump's proposed tax bill, calls it ‘Robin Hood in reverse' - The Economic Times Video
Nancy Pelosi hosted an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month roundtable with San Francisco's Asian Pacific Islander Council, bringing together community leaders to address the devastating impacts of the Trump Administration's budget cuts on AAPI communities. The roundtable featured key speakers, including Cally Wong, Executive Director of the API Council; Lance Toma, CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center; Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital; Jon Osaki, Executive Director of JCYC; Judy Young, Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Development Center; Luisa Antonio, Executive Director of the Bayanihan Equity Center; and Tammy Hung, Deputy Director of Programs at the Chinatown Community Development Center. The event highlighted how Republican attacks on health care, housing and educational resources have compounded the challenges facing AAPI communities, particularly in San Francisco. Participants shared firsthand accounts of the real-world consequences of these policy decisions and emphasised the urgency of standing united to defend the health, dignity and opportunity of AAPI families.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
27 minutes ago
- Mint
X factor: The rise and fall of Elon Musk as a political figure
Elon Musk has officially resigned from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Although his role was only temporary and departure was not surprising, it follows his criticism of President Donald Trump's tax bill. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' would not improve America's finances, he said, and will undermine his efforts to cut back on unnecessary government spending. Was there a clear divide between Trump and Musk? Only seven months ago, at his victory speech on 6 November, Trump spent four minutes praising Musk. 'A star is born—Elon!" said Trump. Musk had invested nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in Trump's campaign, which could explain his influence on the Trump administration. It was possibly the most astute investment Musk ever made. He oversaw Trump's DOGE and also shaped a far-right discourse both domestically and internationally. Also Read: Electric debacle: Tesla's troubles started before Musk wore the MAGA cap Musk attempted to involve himself in several European political issues—in Germany and the UK especially. In February, Time magazine portrayed Musk as 'President Musk." Its cover illustration showed him seated at the Resolute Desk in the White House. However, it is evident that Musk has now drifted to the margins of Trump's world. 'Elon is from South Africa—I don't want to get Elon involved," Trump told his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, during a discussion at the White House recently. On 19 May, an analysis titled 'Why has Elon Musk vanished from the spotlight?' was published by Politico, which noted that Trump was posting messages about Musk on his Truth Social platform at an average of four times a week in February and March, but stopped doing so in April. Musk was included in nearly daily fund-raising emails sent by Trump's campaign team. However, save for a single email in May, this abruptly stopped in early March. Trump's top advisors and official White House accounts also stopped posting photos and content mentioning Musk. Musk, whose business empire includes Tesla, SpaceX and X, seemed to have got the drift. Amid mounting investor worries, he announced a major reduction in political spending. This was a public indication of the billionaire turning his focus back to his businesses. Also Read: Tesla's slump: When social intelligence clashes with artificial intelligence The main source of Musk's fortune, Tesla, has lost sales globally and suffered severe brand damage as a result of his political activities. His expressions of support for the far-right anti-immigration AfD party in Germany, for example, were noted across Europe. Tesla's sales in Europe dropped 49% in April, indicating a backlash against him. Towards the end of that month, Tesla reported a 71% dip in profits. In a call with Tesla investors, Musk said that he would begin stepping back from his position at DOGE in May. In the US and abroad, Tesla dealerships have been the target of protests and vandalism. Musk's move to impose harsh employment and spending cuts within the federal government on behalf of the Trump administration was dubbed 'one of the greatest brand destructions" ever by Scott Galloway, professor of marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business. According to some surveys, most respondents disapproved of the way Musk and DOGE have handled federal government employees and slashed jobs. About 60% of respondents in a nationwide study conducted by Marquette University Law School last month had a negative opinion of Musk, while 38% had a positive opinion. The study found approval of Musk's DOGE handling at 41% and disapproval at 58%. Also Read: The US should stay away from gimmicks and tackle its real fiscal problem Musk may have recently met his political Waterloo in Wisconsin, where he contributed at least $3 million to making the Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign the most costly in US history. He even personally appeared in Green Bay sporting a cheese-head cap, a favourite among supporters of the Green Bay Packers, an American football team. But the Republican candidate he backed lost by a 10% margin. The Democrats mobilized people by calling it a 'People versus Musk' contest to highlight his intervention. Frankly, Musk's accountability has been non-existent, his loyalties seem inconsistent and his political intentions unclear. Trump might be well aware of this. Musk stood for six hours to shake hands with Democrat Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. In 2014, Musk described himself as 'somewhere in the middle, fiscally conservative and socially liberal." He even advocated that Trump 'hang up his hat and sail into sunset" in 2022, arguing that he was too old to seek re-election. But then he started to tilt Republican. Also Read: A trade arrangement that leaves out the US could trump Trump's tariffs Thus, it was perhaps inevitable that Trump would grow weary of Musk. Since the president is accustomed to generating all his popularity himself, it would be easy for him to assume he needs nobody's help on that count. Then there is also the matter of Musk's unpopularity, which Trump may not want rubbing off on his own standing. However, Musk will still hold billions of dollars once Trump's term is over, not to mention the power of his social media platform. In the political sphere, his legacy may be a handy list of what the ultra-rich should do and not do. Or maybe he has left America's business class a model that no one else would dare imitate. The author is professor of statistics at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
The Hindu
28 minutes ago
- The Hindu
India, U.S. desire to give preferential market access to businesses; talks on for trade pact: Goyal
India and the U.S. desire to give preferential market access to each other's businesses and teams of both the countries are working together on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said. In February, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced plans to negotiate the first tranche or phase of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall (September-October) of 2025. It is aimed at more than doubling the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 from the current level of $191 billion. "Both countries are committed to work together, both countries desire to give preferential access to each other's businesses and we are working towards the bilateral trade agreement," Mr. Goyal told reporters in Paris. Mr. Goyal is here on an official visit to hold talks with French leaders and business representatives to boost trade and investments. When asked about an announcement of Mr. Trump to double tariffs on steel and aluminium to 50%, he also said that the two countries will continue to work together to resolve all these issues bilaterally. "Let us wait and watch ...both the U.S. and India share good relations and we will continue to work together to resolve all these issues bilaterally," he said. Trade experts have stated that the further increase in the import duty by the Trump administration would impact Indian exporters, particularly those engaged in value-added and finished steel products and auto-components. On May 30, Mr. Trump announced that he would double the existing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from June 4. Mr. Trump originally invoked this provision in 2018 to set the 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminium. He raised tariffs on aluminium to 25% in February 2025. In 2024-25, India exported $4.56 billion worth of iron, steel, and aluminium products to the U.S., with key categories, including $587.5 million in iron and steel, $3.1 billion in articles of iron or steel, and $860 million in aluminium and related articles. India has already issued a formal notice at the World Trade Organization (WTO), reserving its rights to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in response to the earlier steel tariffs. A team of U.S. officials is visiting India this week for discussions on the proposed interim trade agreement between the two countries. The visit gains importance as India and the U.S. are likely to agree on an interim trade agreement by the end of June, with New Delhi pushing for full exemption from the 26% reciprocal tariff on domestic goods. India's chief negotiator, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal, last month had concluded his four-day visit to Washington. He held talks with his U.S. counterpart on the proposed agreement. Mr. Goyal too was in Washington to give an impetus to trade talks. There is a possibility that both sides agree on an interim trade deal before the first tranche. Also read | U.S. remains India's largest trading partner for fourth consecutive year in 2024 -25: Government data The U.S, remained India's largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion. The U.S, accounts for about 18% of India's total goods exports, 6.22% in imports, and 10.73% in the country's total merchandise trade. Talking about India's free trade pact with four-European nation bloc EFTA, Mr. Goyal said $100 billion FDI (foreign direct investment) commitment under the agreement does not include money coming into stock market through FIIs. "This is solid FDI coming into the country... This USD 100 billion of FDI comes with technologies... It will (also) catalyse nearly USD 500 billion of investments roughly. With this investment, the whole ecosystem gets created, hotels come up, infrastructure comes up, power and water is utilised. The whole ecosystem will add much more to the economy. So it's a massive investments that we are looking coming through this EFTA agreement," he added. The implementation process of this pact is progressing fast and is expected to come into force before the end of this year. The two sides signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on March 10, 2024. Under the pact, India has received an investment commitment of $100 billion in 15 years from the grouping while allowing several products such as Swiss watches, chocolates and cut and polished diamonds at lower or zero duties. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. When asked if India would have similar arrangement in the proposed trade pact with the 27-nation bloc EU, he said: "The member countries are large investors in india, so we may not go that ground in our FTA with EU."
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
41 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Can foreign students still work in the US.? OPT programme faces scrutiny
If you're an international student—or planning to become one—understanding your financial and career risks in the U.S. right now is essential. Recent policy shifts are raising serious concerns for students on F-1 visas, especially those relying on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or aiming for long-term careers in the U.S. Here's a clear explainer of what's happening. As the U.S. tightens immigration policies under the Trump administration, thousands of international students—including recent graduates from top institutions like MIT and Harvard—are reconsidering their American dreams. The growing threat to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign graduates to work in the U.S. after completing their studies, has sparked a wave of anxiety and career uncertainty. Bob Zeng, a 30-year-old Chinese student graduating from MIT with a master's degree in science and management, had long envisioned building a life in the U.S. But with the administration signaling the possible end of post-study work permits for foreign students, Zeng is now considering moving to Europe or returning to China. 'I'm worried about working here,' he told AP. 'You never know what's going to happen.' Zeng's concerns are not isolated. Nearly 240,000 international students in the U.S. rely on OPT—a one-year work authorization (extendable up to three years for STEM graduates)—as a critical bridge between education and employment. The program not only gives students experience in U.S. companies but often leads to H-1B visa sponsorship and, for some, permanent residency. What is OPT and Why it matters? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a U.S. work program that allows international students on F-1 visas to work for 12 months after graduation (up to 36 months for STEM graduates). It's the bridge between university and a career—offering practical job experience and often serving as a stepping stone to an H-1B visa or permanent residency. Around 240,000 students are currently on OPT. What is changing and why you should care The U.S. government may end OPT. Trump-era immigration leaders, like USCIS nominee Joseph Edlow, are pushing to stop post-graduate work authorization for F-1 students. Visa revocations and surveillance: Students with minor police interactions or missing employment record updates have had their visas threatened or revoked. Chinese students are being singled out, with new policies targeting those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in 'critical' fields. How Trump has targeted foreign students in the US Threats to end OPT visa Trump's administration has openly considered ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. after graduation. This has created major uncertainty for students hoping to gain career experience. Increased visa scrutiny: The administration added extra layers of vetting for F-1 student visas, making it harder for international students to get approved or stay in the country. Termination of legal status: In April, ICE began terminating the legal status of student visa holders who were found in police databases — even without charges or convictions. Many of these were OPT participants, forced to leave jobs or risk legal trouble. Threat letters to graduates: In May, many recent graduates received letters warning them that their visa status would be revoked unless they updated employment records. Even though corrections were allowed, the letters caused panic and stress among students. Targeting Chinese students: Recently, the administration announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students connected to the Communist Party or those in 'sensitive' academic fields — a move that raised fears of racial profiling and academic discrimination. Mixed Signals: Trump once floated the idea of offering green cards to international graduates but his policies took a sharp turn toward restricting student opportunities Trump's nominee for director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said during his confirmation hearing on May 21 that he would like to see an end to post-graduate work authorization for international students. "What I want to see would be essentially a regulatory and sub-regulatory program that would allow us to remove the ability for employment authorizations for F-1 students beyond the time that they are in school," said Edlow, referring to the F-1 visas on which most international students attend college in the US. The opportunity to gain career experience at US companies, especially in technology and other fields where American companies dominate, has long been a draw of studying in the US. Many enter the H-1B visa lottery, hoping to be selected for one of the employer-sponsored visas that offer a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. Threatening practical training opportunities would have long-term consequences for the US in attracting international students, Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, which represents international educators, told the AP. Like many international students, Marko, 29, finds himself glued to the news with a growing sense of alarm. His Optional Practical Training expires in a month, and he has applied for an extension but hasn't heard back, leaving him in limbo. Lawyers for the tech company where he works in New York City advised him to carry proof of his legal status in his wallet, which he finds "dehumanising." "The message being sent now is that: You are not one of us, and we are going to get rid of you," said Marko, who asked that only his first name be used because he is worried about being targeted for removal from the country. He has lived in the US for a decade spanning college and graduate school, but his family and friends back home have encouraged him to leave. His hope is that he gets the OPT extension and can then apply for an H-1B visa and continue his life in the US, but he also worries about anti-immigrant sentiment and who will be targeted next. Recent crackdowns have only added to the chaos. In April, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began terminating student visas for those flagged in police databases—even for minor or mistaken entries. Though many were reinstated after legal action, several students chose to leave preemptively. The administration has also moved to revoke visas of Chinese students studying in sensitive fields or allegedly connected to the Chinese Communist Party. These developments have pushed students like Yurong "Luanna" Jiang, a Chinese graduate of Harvard University, to reconsider their future in the U.S. 'Everything is up in the air,' she said, now open to working anywhere in the world. For students who once saw the U.S. as a land of opportunity, the message today is less welcoming. 'It feels like there's a war on immigrants,' said Guy, a UK citizen and HIV researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, who would be forced to leave the country if OPT is eliminated. 'It's not a particularly attractive place to stay and do science right now.' What students can do right now? Keep your employment records up to date in SEVIS and on your university's system. Consult an immigration attorney if you're near the end of your OPT or applying for an H-1B. Have a backup plan: Look into career options in Canada, UK, EU, or back home where policies may be more stable.
