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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Assessing Donald Trump's send-off for Elon Musk
President Donald Trump celebrated Elon Musk on Friday as the billionaire's tenure as the White House's chief cost-cutter was ending. The gathering, styled as a news conference in the Oval Office, signalled an end to a remarkable period of upheaval across the federal bureaucracy, supervised by Musk and the initiative he led, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). "Elon has worked tirelessly, helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations," Trump said, omitting that Musk fell far short of an oft-stated goal of achieving $1 trillion in savings. Here's a fact-check of some of their claims. What was said Live Events "We'll remember you as we announce billions of dollars of extra waste, fraud and abuse." -- Trump Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories This is exaggerated. In listing a litany of contracts and grants cancelled by the cost-cutting initiative, Trump misrepresented several of them and omitted context about others. He repeated the misleading claim that DOGE eliminated a payment of "$59 million to a hotel in New York City" to house migrants in the country illegally. The figure is the amount for a federal grant awarded to the city in the 2024 fiscal year, not the amount paid to one hotel. He cited $45 million for diversity, equity and inclusion scholarships in Burma, using the former name for Myanmar. That was a 2024 initiative the US Agency for International Development started after the 2021 military coup in the Southeast Asian country. The scholarships funded Burmese students studying at universities in the Philippines and online at the University of Arizona. Although the total award was $45 million over five years, about $17 million had been obligated when DOGE cancelled the program. Trump also mentioned "$42 million for social and behavioural change in Uganda," likely referring to a $38 million contract awarded to Johns Hopkins University in 2020 to improve health outcomes in the country. Behaviors listed in the award included the correct use of mosquito nets and medicines to treat HIV infections. When DOGE canceLled the contract in March, most of the money, about $36 million, had already been spent. The "$40 million for social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants" Trump noted referred to a contract to help Venezuelans who migrated to Colombia. He again overstated the link between a $1.9 billion environmental grant and Stacey Abrams, the former Democratic candidate for governor in Georgia. A coalition of five groups received the grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, to decarbonize houses in low-income neighbourhoods. Abrams served for one year as a senior adviser to one of the groups and did not lead the organization. Trump also again cited "$20 million for Arab Sesame Street in the Middle East," adding wrongly that "nobody knows what that's all about." The award to Sesame Workshop was not to create a program, but to tailor an existing children's show called "Ahlan Simsim" for local audiences, as well as to establish educational material for training and use in child care centres. Thousands of Iraqi children viewed the programming and participated in the training. And he again described a body of research grants as "$8 million for making mice transgender." In March, the White House published a list of about $8.3 million in research grants that aimed to study the efficacy of different medications on transgender people through experiments with mice receiving different hormones. None of the studies specifically sought to "make mice transgender." What was said "So, I think the judge just ruled against New York Times for their lies about the Russiagate hoax, and that they might have to give back that Pulitzer Prize." -- Musk False. Musk dismissed new reporting by the Times on his drug use and tumultuous personal life by incorrectly describing a legal proceeding and the circumstances of a lawsuit. The court in question did not, as Musk suggested, rule that the Times "lied" in its reporting about Russia. The Times is not a litigant in the lawsuit. In 2021, Trump demanded that the board that awards the Pulitzer Prizes revoke its awards to the Times and The Washington Post for their coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. When the board refused, Trump sued it for defamation. In 2024, a state judge in Florida rejected the board's move to dismiss the lawsuit. The board later tried to pause proceedings, arguing that because Trump was the president, the lawsuit could prompt a constitutional conflict. But a state court ruled this week that the lawsuit could proceed. What was said "It's an unbelievable bill. It cuts your deficits." -- Trump False. The Congressional Budget Office and a number of independent analysts have estimated that the Republican domestic policy bill, passed by the House this month, would balloon federal deficits by more than $1 trillion, even when economic growth is factored in. The CBO estimated an increase in the deficit of $3.8 trillion; the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated $3.1 trillion, including interest; the Penn Wharton Budget Model estimated $2.8 trillion; and the Tax Foundation estimated $1.7 trillion when factoring in economic growth. "Quite the opposite, this would be an incredibly large deficit increaser, adding $3 trillion to our nation's borrowing and $5 trillion if the expiring policies are extended," said Maya MacGuineas, the president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Council Chamber: India's first Parliament House echoes legacy of freedom movement
Shimla, May 30 (UNI) Tucked away in the hills of Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly building — known as the Council Chamber — stands as a silent witness to India's journey from colonial rule to democracy. Constructed between 1920 and 1925 during the British Raj, this grand structure originally served as the Central Legislative Assembly— the first Parliament House of India. Built at a cost of ₹10 lakh, the Council Chamber was not just a building but a political landmark of its time. It was here that Vithalbhai Patel, elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, made history in 1925 by becoming the first Indian President of the Assembly, defeating British candidate Frederick White by just two votes. His election marked a defining moment in India's legislative autonomy under British rule. The Assembly's Speaker's chair, crafted from fine teak, was a diplomatic gift from the Burmese government to the British — a relic that still occupies a place of pride in the House. The chamber also served as the venue for key developments that shaped India's democratic fabric, including the historic passing of the proposal to grant women the right to vote. Even the Quit India Movement, one of the most powerful calls for independence, found its early voice in this very hall — imbuing the site with revolutionary resonance. Today, the chamber continues to evolve with time. Modern legislative tools like zero hour and online committee participation have been introduced, marrying tradition with technology. The historic chamber received renewed attention today when the Government Assurances Committee of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, led by Chairman Bharat Bhushan Batra, paid a courtesy visit and toured the site, appreciating both its heritage and upkeep. UNI ML ARN PRS
Rakyat Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Rakyat Post
Finger Fiasco: Man United Stars Flip Off Malaysian Supporters, Breaking Hearts And Teaching Kids The Wrong Lesson
Subscribe to our FREE Manchester United's pre-season tour in Malaysia has been marred by controversy involving players Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra from Argentina and fellow winger, Ivorian winger Amad Diallo. The duo was caught on camera showing the middle finger to their own supporters, including children, during what should have been a heartwarming meet-and-greet session. Instead, they were treated to an unexpected lesson in how not to handle fame. 'Some fans saved for months to bring their kids to see Manchester United in Malaysia,' reported markodea8, a local sports commentator. 'Imagine teaching your kid loyalty—only for the players to teach them disrespect.' The offensive gestures were witnessed on three separate occasions: during what was supposed to be a routine fan interaction session, during a friendly match against ASEAN All-Stars, and while walking past waiting supporters outside the team hotel. From Bad to Worse: Defeat and Pre-Tour Fan Frustration The controversy comes after United's embarrassing 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars at Bukit Jalil Stadium, where Burmese winger Maung Maung Lwin's winning goal sent the Premier League giants to a new low. The Red Devils were booed off the pitch, with fans particularly vocal about losing to a team they had expected to beat comfortably. Notably, even before the team's arrival in Malaysia, fans on social media were already expressing their frustration with the team's poor season performance: 'Must be touching for United players – 'we played like shit and escaped relegation, but here in Malaysia we are lauded as heroes, parading us on open-top bus. We must come here every year pre- or post-season!' posted a Threads user. Manchester United open top bus tour through the streets of Malaysia… 🫣🤣😭 — Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) Outrage and Aftermath: Fans Demand Accountability The middle finger incident has sparked outrage across social media, with even die-hard United fans condemning the players' behaviour. 'If this was Alex Ferguson's time, Garnacho would have gotten a boot to the face already,' one fan commented, referencing the club's legendary former manager known for his strict discipline. While some defenders suggest the players were provoked by taunts about United's recent struggles, others maintain that professional athletes should show more restraint. 'No matter what the degree of provocation, you should remain calm and maintain professionalism,' wrote one observer. The incident has particularly stung in Malaysia, where Manchester United enjoys a massive following. Local fans who spent their hard-earned money on what should have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience instead got a harsh reminder of the old adage: never meet your idols. When Names Hurt: Understanding Amad's Reaction to Fan Controversy The club has yet to issue an official statement about the incident, but if history is any indication, these players might want to prepare for some serious conversations with their management. Meanwhile, further details have emerged regarding Amad Diallo's involvement in the incident. Sources suggest his middle finger gesture was triggered by fans repeatedly calling him 'Diallo' – a name he actively avoids due to its connection to a Manchester United officially uses 'Amad' in all communications, and the player's sensitivity to this issue reportedly led to his emotional response. 🚨🚨 Amad Diallo's middle finger gesture when he was leaving the Manchester United team hotel in Kuala Lumpur… …was his response to serious 'personal abuse from an individual', per SamCReports. — Cherish 😍 🥰 (@chitor324) READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'Hope You Don't...': Malaysian PM Takes Dig At United Following Defeat In Friendly
Last Updated: United slumped to a 1-0 defeat as Burmese striker Maung Maung Lwin netted the line strike of the game in the 71st minute to condemn Ruben Amorim's United to yet another defeat. Premier League side Manchester United suffered further embarrassment on the back of their forgettable English top-flight campaign as they went down to Southeast Asian XI at Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday in an exhibition encounter between the sides. United slumped to a 1-0 defeat as Burmese striker Maung Maung Lwin netted the line strike of the game in the 71st minute to condemn Ruben Amorim's United to yet another defeat. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim added insult to United's injuries with a post mocking the 20 time English champions. 'Ouch! ManUtd failed to win the cup again. You'll have a headache next season too. Hope you don't get relegated to the Championship. Congratulations ASEAN All Stars, you are really STRONG!!!" the PM's post read. Aduh! Gagal lagi @ManUtd menang piala. Pening kepala juga hangpa musim depan. Harap tak turun ASEAN All Stars, hangpa memang PADUUUUU!!! #MalaysiaMADANI #MADANIBekerja #ASEAN2025 — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 29, 2025 Amorim's men, who had to endure United's worst season since 1974 with a lowly 15th place finish in the Premier League, suffered yet another blow in front of 72,550 fans in Kuala Lumpur as Lwin got on the end of a ball threaded in by Adrian Segecic to belt in the winner to stun United. Amorim took charge of United midway through the recently concluded season as the 40-year-old Portuguese head coach joined the Mancunian side from Sporting Lisbon, where he experienced success with the Capital city side. However, his tenure at United thus far has been a torrid one. Amorim had the chance to clinch his first piece of silverware at United, which ultimately came to nothing as the Red Devils succumbed to Tottenham in the final of the UEFA Europa League as the Londoners ended a 17-year trophy drought riding on a Brennan Johnson strike that gave Ange Postecoglou's men a 1-0 win. The UEL title also entitled a berth in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Champions League. More To Follow… First Published:
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd torpedoing transfer plans through Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £7.8m greediness
It never looked like a good idea, but it is turning out to be much worse than expected. After concluding their miserable 2024-25 season, Manchester United flew over 6,600 miles to Kuala Lumpur for marketing reasons. Having deemed 60 largely disappointing matches inadequate, United's brains trust signed their demoralised squad up for two more. 'Importantly, tour fixtures drive significant additional revenue which help make the club stronger, allowing us to keep investing in success on the pitch,' chief executive Omar Berrada said plainly when the club announced the genius plan in early April. Back then, there must have already been nagging worries that United's decision-makers were signing their club up for another dose of embarrassment. All for the estimated revenue of $10million (£7.8m) the trip will make for United. This is the reality of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era : a penny-pinching petrochemicals billionaire. A man worth $16.7bn (£12.4bn), according to Forbes, making hundreds of staff redundant and sending his exhausted players halfway across the world to appease sponsors and spread the good word of United. That £7.8m is suddenly looking like a bad deal. The malaise that engulfed the club this season became even darker and thicker with the 1-0 defeat by Tottenham in the Europa League final and has now become a pervasive presence; an unwanted 12th man on the pitch. Videos of Alejandro Garnacho half-heartedly signing autographs and other players trudging heads down past screaming fans were bad enough before the actual football – ostensibly the reason for their visit – was taken into account. United somehow managed to lose 1-0 to the ASEAN All Stars in Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday. Ruben Amorim used 25 outfield players, but was powerless to stop Maung Maung Lwin – a Burmese player who plies his trade in the Thai League – from providing the game's only goal. Many of the 84,000 people who turned up in the Malaysian capital, some of whom had paid £260 for a ticket, booed them off the pitch. In a season of crushing lows, United had somehow managed to plumb new depths. This was embarrassing – and it is obvious who was to blame. United have set their players up for failure with this ridiculous money-grabbing PR disaster. Even if they had enjoyed a good domestic campaign, or if they had beaten Spurs in Bilbao, the players would not have been up for this trip. There is a reason this is the first time United have embarked on a post-season tour. This one is only a few days old and it is already backfiring in potentially spectacular fashion. While Matheus Cunha is too far down the line to change his mind over a £62.5m transfer from Wolves to United, other targets are not. United better hope they are enjoying their holiday so much that they haven't bothered opening social media or reading the newspapers. Because does anyone really want to join this mess? They are a rubbish football team right now, but more than that, they are a miserable and disunited bunch. They will become a revolving door this summer, shipping out scores of players while scrabbling around for anyone who will join them. They won't play any European football next season and Carrington is reportedly a vibe vacuum, having had the life sucked out of it by Ratcliffe's staff purge. This is the context which players like Liam Delap must currently be assessing. Delap is poised to leave Ipswich for £30m this summer. He is understood to be choosing between United and Chelsea – a decision which currently looks extremely straightforward. While United ended the season as a representation of the 'This is fine' meme, everything burning around them, Chelsea did so with a European trophy and a place in next season's Champions League secured. Ratcliffe has frequently, and in public, lamented the way things were done at United. He has made decisions he deems unpopular but necessary. But what he seems to fail to understand is that perception matters. Yes, he may have succeeded in putting the club on a more even footing financially, but at what cost? This ludicrous post-season tour is a perfect example of the Ratcliffe era so far: commercially astute yet visually unappealing. It could be extremely damaging to the planned squad overhaul this summer. Sky has slashed the price of its bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more. Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
