Latest news with #FoggyBottom
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Who is in the running to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair?
Replacing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is not a question of if, but when. Speculation over who could succeed Mr Powell ramped up this week following reports that President Donald Trump was considering firing the Fed chair – an unprecedented action. Mr Powell's term expires in May 2026. Mr Trump said it was unlikely he will try to fire Mr Powell and will instead wait out the remainder of his term. The US President has thus far not attempted to oust Mr Powell, but the race to replace him has already begun. He has considered naming Mr Powell's successor by September or even sooner, the Wall Street Journal reported last month. Such an extended period could lead to confusion in the markets should a 'shadow Fed chair' emerge ahead of the end of Mr Powell's term. But Mr Trump has become increasingly irate with Mr Powell for not cutting interest rates. Mr Trump has made clear that anyone who wants the job in Foggy Bottom must support low interest rates. Here is a look at the reported candidates to replace Mr Powell: Kevin Hassett National Economic Council Kevin Hassett is one of Mr Trump's longest-serving economic aides. Mr Hassett held two roles during Mr Trump's first term including as chair of the Council of Economic Advisors. He was also the economic architect of the Abraham Accords. Before rejoining the White House this year, Mr Hassett was the global director of research for Affinity Partners, a private equity firm led by Jared Kushner, Mr Trump's son-in-law. He was previously director of economic policy studies at the conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute. Mr Hassett also served as economic adviser to John McCain, George Bush and Mitt Romney during their presidential campaigns. Kevin Warsh Former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh served as former Fed chair Ben Bernanke's liaison between Washington and Wall Street during the global financial crisis. Mr Warsh has become increasingly critical about the Powell Fed within the last year, accusing the current board of 'mission creep' earlier in May. Speaking to CNBC on Thursday, the former Fed governor criticised the central bank for worrying that Mr Trump's tariffs policies could lead to an inflation resurgence. 'If they were a very credible central bank, they could say, 'We're looking past this one-off change in prices,' and so their hesitancy to cut rates, I think, is actually quite a mark against them,' he said. Mr Warsh was considered a hawkish official to fight against inflation during his tenure at the Fed from 2006 to 2011, but he has shifted his position this year which has put him in line with Mr Trump's desire install a dove to lead the Fed. Scott Bessent Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the search committee, is also a reported contender. Mr Bessent has been at the centre of tariff negotiations with major trading partners including China. But Mr Trump could want Mr Bessent to remain at the Treasury Department. 'Because I like the job he's doing,' Mr Trump said on Tuesday. Christopher Waller Christopher Waller, who currently serves on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, is considered to be a dark horse candidate to ascend to chair. Mr Waller is notably one of two recent Fed officials to have argued for a rate cut at the Fed's recent meeting – outliers from other voting members. He has also said that he expects Mr Trump's tariffs to lead to a one-time effect on inflation rather than being a more persistent increase in prices. Mr Waller, a Trump appointee, joined the Fed in 2020. His tenure as Fed governor runs through January 2030.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
This Historic D.C. Hotel Combines Political Scandal With World-Class Luxury
The Watergate Hotel officially opened in 1965. Washington, D.C. has amassed a staggering array of high-end hotels over the years, but when it comes to worldwide recognition, few properties can match The Watergate Hotel. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, this storied institution made international headlines back in 1972 with the eruption of the Watergate scandal, a political controversy that ultimately drove Richard Nixon to resign from the office of President—and in the modern era, the hotel offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, with a wealth of luxurious, high-end amenities to enjoy during a stay. While the Watergate Complex has been a fixture of Foggy Bottom since the 1960s, the Watergate Hotel brings a touch of contemporary elegance to the site thanks to a lengthy 2016 renovation, with polished brass accents and vibrant red furniture found across the lobby. There are 336 rooms and suites found across the building, with options spanning from the spacious Deluxe River View rooms to the Rose Suite, a lavish two-room space that's adorned with a chandelier and vibrant pops of pink—but for a truly unique experience in the national capital, be sure to book a stay in the Scandal Suite. Located in the very same room where the Watergate scandal took place, these historic quarters are perfect for history buffs, boasting playful design elements like a manual typewriter, tape recorder and plenty of framed newspaper headlines. The Watergate Complex was designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti. In addition to lavish accommodations and an elegant design, the Watergate Hotel has also mastered the art of both mixology and gastronomy, with three high-end drinking and dining venues found across the property. For marvelous Potomac views paired with high-end cocktails, guests can make their way to Top of the Gate, while The Next Whisky Bar offers a wealth of top-quality spirits in a '60s-inspired space—and for gastronomes, no visit is complete without dining at Kingbird. While the restaurant itself is particularly picturesque—its hanging decorative eggs are meant to evoke the nest of the eastern kingbird, a native Washington species—it also comes equipped with a wealth of upscale Italian dishes, with options like saffron cioppino, grilled whole branzino and braised rabbit and truffle-infused ricotta cavatelli all gracing the menu. After a few days spent exploring Washington's top attractions, you'll certainly need some time to unwind—and fortunately, the Watergate Hotel offers an oasis of tranquility in the form of the Argentta Spa. Upon arrival, visitors are welcome to soak in the heated indoor pool or spend some time basking in the sauna, whirlpool tub and hammam-style steam room, but no visit is complete without enjoying one of the spa's lavish treatments. While options span from specialized facials to hot stone aromatherapy massages, those in search of a truly relaxing experience should be sure to book the Argentta Signature Massage, a complex combination of treatments that highlights specific acupressure points to ensure release. In addition to the Watergate Complex, the Foggy Bottom neighborhood is also home to the headquarters ... More of the U.S. State Department. Whether you're a hardcore history buff or a typical tourist, the Watergate Hotel delivers an unparalleled experience in one of Washington's most charming neighborhoods, with plenty of fine food and drink to enjoy all throughout your stay. With its modern amenities and fascinating political intrigue, the property promises a truly memorable stay that's equal parts luxurious and educational. As you plan your next visit to the national capital, be sure to pay a visit to this renowned hotel, a storied structure that's both an oasis of luxury and a crucial piece of American history in physical form.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
'It's sort of scary': Officials flag surprising revelations from deep State Department cuts
When senior State Department officials set out to trim the agency in the "biggest reorganization since the Cold War," they couldn't get a total headcount on employees — for months, they say. "It took us three months to get a list of the people that actually work in the building," one senior State Department official told reporters during a briefing at Foggy Bottom on Monday, defending the job cuts that detractors have claimed will damage U.S. diplomacy. "They couldn't tell you how many people worked here," the official said. "It's sort of scary as a taxpayer and as a public servant to think that we don't even know how many employees we have. This is a national security agency, you know. Who are these people?" The reorganization will result in a department with about 3,000 fewer employees. Around half of those took a voluntary buyout, and the other half were given reduction in force (RIF) notices. A handful of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's closest advisors evaluated over 700 domestic offices within the State Department, submitting RIF (reduction in force) notices to employees in those they found to be "duplicative" or "inefficient." The idea, officials said, was to put a "maximum of 12 clearances on any piece of paper," meaning documents would go through 12 layers of approval instead "40, 50 clearances." The department had dozens of different offices handling human resources, and when a new employee was hired, they were accepting faxed records on their past work with other agencies. "It's crazy that a department that's tasked with so many critical diplomatic, national security functions, with a $50 billion plus budget is running its affairs that way," an official said. The investigation found three separate offices dealing with sanctions, two handling arms control issues. "Some of these regional offices within this sort of functional civil liberties, civil society, bureaus of democracy, human rights and labor, population, refugees and migration each had their own regional offices in addition to the country desk, regional bureau, construct," the official said. "Every independent bureau and office had its own executive director, its own HR department, its own were making payments out of like 60 plus different offices." Rubio's team maintains the reductions focus on nonessential bureaucratic layers while preserving frontline diplomacy. A Supreme Court decision in late June reopened the door for mass federal layoffs after a lower court had blocked the cuts. Legal challenges from unions remain pending, though the reorganization is moving forward. The officials shuttered a "diplomats in residence" program, which they determined to be a "cushy job." "State Department employees are getting paid to go hang out at Georgetown, and sort of recruit for the Foreign Service," one official said, "without any sort of metrics or accountability." They didn't touch the country desks, those specifically focused on nations like Iran or China, and didn't fire anyone from passport services or diplomatic security. They did not make cuts at embassies or foreign posts. "We touched the people that are doing these sort of like wasteful, sort of mindboggling functions or places where we found natural efficiencies in combining two offices." Critics have warned that cuts to the diplomatic corps could damage U.S. presence globally and cede soft power to China. "A climate change office is not countering China," an official shot back. The department also shuttered an office that had been tasked with resettling Afghan refugees seeking to flee Talliban rule and culled the Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration. "That office was not doing work that was countering China or serving the national interest," the official said. "China has overtaken the United States in a number of those countries. So I would argue growth at the State Department has not coincided with a growth of outcomes for the American taxpayer." In another example, an official told of a Gulf state foreign minister who complained that the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor under the Biden administration kept pushing them to unionize foreign workers. "This created huge diplomatic tension with them," the official said. "That foreign minister was delighted and wants to work with us on shared prosperity and trade agreements that aren't trying to to be patronizing to other countries about their domestic affairs." Still, the process has sparked palpable tension within the department. Employees gathered tearfully in the Foggy Bottom lobby to say goodbye, some displaying signs reading, "Diplomacy matters." Signs with messages like "resist fascism" and "you made an impact" were taped up throughout the department. A group of more than 130 former senior officials, including former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, signed an open letter expressing concern that deep staff reductions could endanger U.S. foreign policy effectiveness. Some have seized on the results of a whittled-down State Department and foreign aid apparatus: A report by The Atlantic found the Trump administration had given an order to incinerate 500 tons of emergency food that had been purchased during the Biden administration as aid to be distributed in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "It's a little bit of a shame to see people behaving that way. You sort of wonder whether they had any interest in following the president and sort of, upholding their oath to listen to the commands of the people," one official said.
The Hill
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Hail Trump the Disruptor — but for good or for ill?
In medieval or ancient times, given his chaotic approach to foreign policy and national security, President Trump might have hoped to be known as 'Trump the Disruptor.' His governing style — especially during his second term — has centered on upending traditional diplomatic and military approaches to confronting threats. This has him at odds with many in the Washington establishment. Analysts at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon typically concentrate on war-gaming out second-, third- and fourth-order effects of any given policy approach and determining all potential reactions and counteractions that might result during a conflict. Capitol Hill, consequently, in light of perceived recent U.S. failures in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya is aghast at this new approach. In the wake of the U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, they are reflexively demanding clearly defined end states and exit strategies. But Trump's early handling of Ukraine was a sign of things to come. Instead of effecting a maximum pressure campaign against Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to his illegal military invasion, Trump unleashed a war of words on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky during their January meeting in the Oval Office. Team Trump abruptly curtailed military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. The immediate result was bloody chaos across the frontlines in Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine's lodgment in the Russian oblast of Kursk was lost as Ukrainian troops were forced into a tactical withdrawal. Putin exploited the rift between Trump and Zelensky to increase his attacks against cities, including a children's playground in Kryvyi Rih — the Ukrainian president's home town — that killed 19 people. Yet, out of that chaos — notwithstanding the unacceptably high cost of Ukrainian blood and treasure — Trump prodded European Union and NATO leaders into action. The European Commission proposed an €800 billion plan to rearm Europe, which was later dubbed Readiness 2030, as a counterweight to the growing Russia threat. It also led to NATO, on Sunday, adopting a far higher defense spending target for its members than the current benchmark of 2 percent of GDP. The 32-member defensive alliance agreed to a 250 percent increase in the spending target to 5 percent of gross national product. Madrid sought and received an exemption. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Spain's spending will be evaluated in 2029. Likewise, it has shaken Berlin from its Russian doldrums. Friedrich Merz, Germany's newly elected chancellor, was elected on a right-leaning political platform that included doing 'whatever it takes' for Berlin to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest army. One of his first acts was to pledge €5 billion in new aid to Ukraine. More broadly, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted Tuesday, Europe is 'integrating our defense industries as if Ukraine was in the EU.' Rutte also stated in a press conference that the European Union and Canada had already pledged €35 billion to Ukraine's defense in the first half of 2025 alone. In short, as a result of Trump's chaotic approach to the war in Ukraine, Europe is awakening and increasing its economic and military burden share — as it should. These are all good end results. But then, what is the long-term cost of Trump's innovations to U.S. national security? After all, by acting in his own best interest versus the NATO alliance's collective interest, Trump risks alienating Washington from Brussels. Operation Midnight Hammer showed that the U.S. remains dependent on its European military bases to project force into the Middle East and beyond. The B-2 Spirit stealth bombers launched against Iran from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri were refueled en route by USAF air tankers operating from forward bases in the United Kingdom, Spain, German and Italy. Disruption can be an effective tool to bring about transformative change, as evidenced by Brussels' much-needed awakening about its deficient defense spending in the face of growing Russian threats to Europe. Ditto Trump's first-term landmark Abraham Accords, which transformed Israeli relations with much of the Arab world. Similarly, Trump's rapid use of force in Iran disrupted Khamenei's nuclear weapons program — by just how much is still being debated. Yet disruption can also be risky, especially when it comes to military alliances. Once again, Trump attempted to disrupt the accepted meaning of Article 5 of the NATO Charter. Ahead of travel to The Hague for a NATO summit, Trump was asked whether he remained committed to the bedrock of the alliance. His response? 'Depends on your definition. There [are] numerous definitions of Article Five. You know that, right?' Undermining the NATO alliance is self-defeating, especially if Trump or a future president needs to rely on Europe for military force projection or our own self-defense, as on 9/11. It also weakens the key role Article Five plays in establishing U.S. strategic deterrence against Russia. Changes in policy direction and outcomes will only take Trump so far. Clearly defined U.S. desired end states are still needed. Presently they are glaringly lacking in Ukraine and Iran. Ukraine remains in an existential hot war. Putin still refuses to agree to Trump's proposed ceasefire with Kyiv. And Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has, at least for now, survived to fight another day and potentially yet achieve nuclear breakout. Time affords our nation's enemies space to regroup and rebuild. Putin is doing just that with his wartime economy in Russia, including expanded military bases along Finland's border. The future threat to Eastern and Western Europe is very real. Putin is also continuing to fight his war of attrition against Ukraine. Khamenei and his regime, meanwhile, if given a chance to survive, are not going to change course. Military action can destroy facilities, but it cannot destroy technical know-how. If left unchecked, Iran can rebuild its centrifuges, ballistic missiles and air defense network. For now, it seems, his heinous regime has survived to do just that. End-goals do not need expiration dates to succeed. We witnessed that with post-World War II Germany and Japan. They just require clarity. History will judge whether Trump will be seen as a positive disruptor or a reckless and harmful one. If he wants it to be the former, then the president needs to be clear about his end-goals for Russia, China, Iran, North Korea. Their combined ideological global war against the West is not going to go away, and disruption alone cannot win it. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as an Army intelligence officer.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
PAW Patrol Live to tour the United Kingdom this summer
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Join Ryder and the pups for an all new adventure as they embark into the the depths of the sea Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Tracker and all the pups are heading back to UK stages this summer. PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure sees our canine heroes discover a secret pirate treasure map as the embark on an epic adventure. The show is set to perform across 15 different locations in the United Kingdom, including several matinee performances taking place. The beloved stars of Nickelodeon's smash-hit series Paw Patrol are set to tour the United Kingdom this summer with an all-new adventure! PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure sees Ryder and his heroic pups – Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, and the newest pup, Tracker – take to stages across the United Kingdom over the summer holidays. Many tour dates will offer at least two shows per day so no one misses out on the action. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The PAW Patrol pups are once again heading to the United Kingdom - this time on a quest for hidden pirate treasure. | Dan Norman Photography The story unfolds as Cap'n Turbot falls into a mysterious cavern during Adventure Bay's Pirate Day preparations. The PAW Patrol rescues him and discovers a secret pirate treasure map. They embark on an epic adventure to find the treasure before Mayor Humdinger can get his hands on it for Foggy Bottom, as the pups use their rescue skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork to save the day. Since its debut in Autumn 2016, PAW Patrol Live! has been seen by over 7 million people in more than 50 countries. The highly interactive performances invite audiences to learn pirate catchphrases, dance the pirate boogie, and help the pups solve picture puzzles and follow the treasure map. PAW Patrol Live! is aimed at families, providing an opportunity for children to experience in-person theatre and create lifelong memories – an ideal plan to keep the young ones entertained throughout the summer school holidays. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where is Paw Patrol Live touring in the United Kingdom? The tour is set to visit the following locations on the following dates with the number of performances indicated in brackets: June 21 2025: P&J Live, Aberdeen (10:45am/2pm) June 28 2025: Utilita Arena, Newcastle (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) June 29 2025: Connexin Live, Hull (2pm/5:15pm) July 5 2025: OVO Arena, London (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) July 6 2025: OVO Arena, London (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) July 13 2025: Brighton Centre, Brighton (2pm/5:15pm) July 19 2025: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) July 20 2025: AO Arena, Manchester (2pm/5:15pm) August 1 2025: SEC Armadillo, Glasgow (5:15pm) August 2 2025: SEC Armadillo, Glasgow (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) August 3 2025: SEC Armadillo, Glasgow (10:45am/2pm) August 9 2025: First Direct Arena, Leeds (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) August 10 2025: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham (2pm/5:15pm) August 16 2025: Utilita Arena, Birmingham (10:45am/2pm/5:15pm) August 17 2025: Building Society Arena, Swansea (2pm/5:15pm) When can I get tickets for Paw Patrol Live ahead of the UK Tour? Tickets for all the PAW Patrol Live! Dates are currently on sale now through Ticketmaster in the United Kingdom
