Latest news with #Saudi-sponsored
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check a real thing? What we know
In February, President Donald Trump said he was considering a plan to pay out $5,000 stimulus checks to American taxpayers from the savings identified by billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Are they happening? No official plan or schedule for such a payout has been released, and a decision on the checks would have to come from Congress, which has so far been cool to the idea. And there have been questions as to how much DOGE has actually saved. The idea was floated by Azoria investment firm CEO James Fishback, who suggested on Musk's social media platform X that Trump and Musk should "should announce a 'DOGE Dividend'" from the money saved from reductions in government waste and workforce since it was American taxpayer money in the first place. He even submitted a proposal for how it would work, with a timeline for after the expiration of DOGE in July 2026. "At $2 trillion in DOGE savings and 78 million tax-paying households, this is a $5,000 refund per household, with the remaining used to pay down the national debt," he said in a separate post. Musk replied, "Will check with the President." "We're considering giving 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and 20% to paying down the debt," Trump said in a during the Saudi-sponsored FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami Beach the same month. DOGE has dismantled entire federal agencies, wiped out government contracts and led the firings of tens of thousands of federal workers, leaving many agencies struggling to continue operations. DOGE checks? Elon Musk dodges DOGE stimulus check question during Wisconsin rally: Here's what he said. Fishbeck suggested that the potential refund go only to households that are net-income taxpayers, or households that pay more in taxes than they get back. The Pew Research Center said that most Americans with an adjusted gross income of under $40,000 effectively pay no federal income tax. They would not be eligible. If DOGE achieves Musk's initial goal of stripping $2 trillion from U.S. government spending by 2026, Fishback's plan was for $5,000 per household, or 20% of the savings divided by the number of eligible households. If DOGE doesn't hit the goal, Fishback said the amount should be adjusted accordingly. 'So again, if the savings are only $1 trillion, which I think is awfully low, the check goes from $5,000 to $2,500,' Fishback said during a podcast appearance. 'If the savings are only $500 billion, which, again, is really, really low, then the [checks] are only $1,250.' However, while Musk talked about saving $2 trillion in federal spending during Trump's campaign, he lowered the goal to $1 trillion after Trump assumed office and said in March he was on pace to hit that goal by the end of May. At a Cabinet meeting in April, Musk lowered the projected savings further to $150 billion in fiscal year 2026. Musk left the White House at the end of May when his designation as a "special government employee" ended. DOGE, the advisory group he created, is expected to continue without him. That depends on who you ask. On its website, DOGE claims to have saved an estimated $175 billion as of May 30, "a combination of asset sales, contract and lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletions, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions." The site says that works out to $1,086.96 saved per taxpayer. However, many of DOGE's claims have been exaggerated and several of the initiatives to slash agency workforces have been challenged in court. DOGE has been accused of taking credit for contracts that were canceled before DOGE was created, failing to factor in funds the government is required to pay even if a contract is canceled, and tallying every contract by the most that could possibly be spent on it even when nothing near that amount had been obligated. The website list has been changed as the media pointed out errors, such as a claim that an $8 million savings was actually $8 billion. On May 30, CNN reported that one of its reporters found that less than half the $175 billion figure was backed up with even basic documentation, making verification difficult if not impossible. Some of the changes may also end up costing taxpayers more, such as proposed slashes to the Internal Revenue Service that experts say would mean less tax revenue generated, resulting in a net cost of about $6.8 billion. Over the next 10 years, if IRS staffing stays low, the cumulative cost in uncollected taxes would hit $159 billion, according to the nonpartisan Budget Lab at Yale University. The per-taxpayer claim on the website is also inflated, CNN said, as it's based on '161 million individual federal taxpayers' and doesn't seem to include married people filing jointly. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: DOGE dividends: Will American taxpayers get a $5,000 check?
Al Bawaba
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Lebanese PM visits Damascus to reset ties with Syria
ALBAWABA- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam paid a landmark visit to Syria, where he met with interim President Ahmed Al-Shara'a in Damascus to discuss a reset in bilateral relations after months of border tensions and unresolved political disputes. Also Read Syrian forces flood Daraa with troops after violent confrontation 'My visit to Damascus today aims to open a new page in the history of relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect, restoring trust, good neighborliness, preserving the sovereignty of our two countries, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs,' Salam posted on X, emphasizing that 'Syria's decision is for the Syrians, and Lebanon's decision is for the Lebanese.' زيارتي اليوم الى دمشق هدفها فتح صفحة جديدة في مسار العلاقات بين البلدين على قاعدة الاحترام المتبادل واستعادة الثقة، وحسن الجوار، والحفاظ على سيادة بلدينا وعدم التدخل في الشؤون الداخلية لبعضنا البعض، لأن قرار سوريا للسوريين وقرار لبنان للبنانيين. وقد جرى البحث مع الرئيس أحمد الشرع… — Nawaf Salam نواف سلام (@nawafasalam) April 14, 2025 The visit comes on the heels of violent clashes in March between the Lebanese Army and Syrian forces near the disputed village of Hawsh Sayyid Ali along the eastern border. The Syrian government accused Hezbollah of kidnapping and executing three Syrian security officers. Hezbollah denied the allegations, while Lebanese sources claimed the Syrians were shot by local tribesmen who feared an attack. During the meeting, Salam and Al-Shara'a discussed the need for enhanced coordination on border and crossing control, the prevention of smuggling, and efforts to move toward demarcating both land and maritime boundaries. These issues had previously been raised in a Saudi-sponsored meeting between the countries' defense ministers in Jeddah. One of the key topics was the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, with coordination from the United Nations and support from regional and international partners. Also Read U.S. and KSA near landmark nuclear deal ahead of Trump's visit Discussions also addressed the fate of Lebanese nationals missing or detained in Syria, and Lebanon's request for Damascus to extradite wanted individuals, including those implicated in major crimes such as the bombing of Al-Taqwa and Al-Salam mosques and the assassination of President Bashir Gemayel. On the economic front, both sides explored opportunities for cooperation, including reopening trade and transit routes, importing oil and gas, and resuming civil aviation ties. They also agreed to review bilateral agreements under the framework of the Lebanese-Syrian Supreme Council. The visit marks the first high-level Lebanese engagement with Syria's interim government since the recent escalation and signals a potential thaw in strained ties, with broader regional implications.
Roya News
14-04-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Lebanon, Syria hold talks on refugees, border security
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concluded an official visit to Damascus on Monday, leading a ministerial delegation that included Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Defense Minister Michel Mansi, and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajar. The Lebanese officials met with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani to address key bilateral issues, including border control, refugee returns, and economic cooperation. A new chapter in Lebanese-Syrian ties Prime Minister Salam described the visit as the beginning of a 'new chapter' in relations between the two countries, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and non-interference. 'Syria's decisions belong to Syrians, and Lebanon's decisions belong to the Lebanese,' he stated. Border security, smuggling, and coordination Discussions centered on controlling border crossings and combating smuggling. Both sides agreed to continue the land and maritime border demarcation process, launched earlier during a Saudi-sponsored meeting in Jeddah between the countries' defense ministers. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening security coordination to preserve regional stability. Refugee return and detainee files The leaders agreed to cooperate in facilitating the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, with support from the United Nations and friendly states. The Lebanese delegation raised the issue of Lebanese detainees and missing persons in Syria and requested Syria's help in legal cases, including the extradition of suspects involved in the 2013 Tripoli mosque bombings. Boosting economic and energy ties Talks also covered economic collaboration, including reopening trade and transit routes, importing oil and gas, and improving civil aviation between the two countries. The two sides agreed to revisit several bilateral agreements, including the framework of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council. Joint committee and future coordination A joint ministerial committee will be formed to follow up on shared files, comprising the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, interior, and justice. Additional discussions will include the ministries of economy, transport, energy, and social affairs. Sanctions, unity, and rebuilding Syria Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to Syria's territorial unity and called for lifting international sanctions on Syria to stimulate economic recovery and attract investment. They stressed that Syrian recovery would also benefit Lebanon—particularly in terms of refugee return, energy access, and trade.
Korea Herald
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Trump receives a standing ovation at Miami UFC event
MIAMI (AP) — US President Donald Trump entered to a standing ovation and cheers from a crowd of thousands attending a UFC event on Saturday night, shaking hands with supporters against a backdrop of fans waving his trademark MAGA hats. Just as Trump entered, he greeted podcast host Joe Rogan, who sat to the right of the president. On the other side of Trump sat Elon Musk, billionaire and chief of the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump, who accented his dark suit with a bright yellow tie, pumped his fist in the air, prompting cheers to strains of "Taking Care of Business." He brought along several members of his administration and White House team, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FBI Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House communications aides Steven Cheung and Taylor Budowich. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also joined Trump for UFC 314. Trump entered the arena with UFC President Dana White, with whom he has been close for decades. He was also accompanied by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. Throughout the fight, the UFC jumbotron frequently featured the president, drawing roars from the sold-out arena. The crowd periodically cheered "USA," and Trump briefly danced to the Village People's "YMCA" standing from his seat, firing up the crowd. In between fights, Trump would occasionally shake hands with people who approached him and lean in to speak to Musk, who at times held his son on his shoulders. However, he mostly stayed seated, acknowledging and speaking to fighters who would go against the net to greet the president. The Republican president is a longtime UFC fan and sports enthusiast, who has frequently attended major fights. The mixed martial arts fight at Miami's Kaseya Center was Trump's first UFC visit since he took office in January, and it came weeks after Trump attended the Saudi-sponsored LIV golf tournament at his golf club in Miami. In a further nod to his sports enthusiasm, Trump has also attended the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 since taking office. He sat cageside at a UFC championship fight in New York City last November, shortly after he won the 2024 election. Aside from the president, the main event for the UFC 314 fight is a championship bout between Australian former champion Alexander Volkanovski and Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes, who are competing for the featherweight championship title. It's the fourth UFC event in Miami, in a county that supported the president by about 11 percentage points in the November election. The president arrived in West Palm Beach on Friday for his 10th visit to South Florida since he became president, spending the evening in his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. He flew to Miami after playing golf at his club in West Palm Beach. "You know who's going to win? Dana White. Dana White's gonna win," Trump told reporters Saturday night aboard Air Force One. His close affiliation with UFC helped boost his 2024 presidential campaign among young male voters prior to the November election, where he made promoting hypermasculine tones a signature of the campaign.
The Guardian
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Donald Trump feted with standing ovation as he enters UFC 314 in Miami
US president Donald Trump entered to a standing ovation and cheers from a crowd of thousands attending a UFC event on Saturday night, shaking hands with supporters against a backdrop of fans waving his trademark Maga hats. Just as Trump entered, he greeted podcast host Joe Rogan, who sat to the right of the president. On the other side of Trump sat Elon Musk, billionaire and chief of the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump, who accented his dark suit with a bright yellow tie, pumped his fist in the air, prompting cheers to strains of Taking Care of Business. He brought along several members of his administration and White House team, including Health and Human Services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, FBI director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House communications aides Steven Cheung and Taylor Budowich. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US senator Ted Cruz also joined Trump for UFC 314. Trump entered the arena with UFC president Dana White, with whom he has been close for decades. He was also accompanied by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. Throughout the fight, the UFC jumbotron frequently featured the president, drawing roars from the sold-out arena. The crowd periodically cheered 'U-S-A', and Trump briefly danced to the Village People's YMCA standing from his seat, firing up the crowd. In between fights, Trump would occasionally shake hands with people who approached him and lean in to speak to Musk, who at times held his son on his shoulders. However, he mostly stayed seated, acknowledging and speaking to fighters who would go against the net to greet the president. The Republican president is a longtime UFC fan and sports enthusiast, who has frequently attended major fights. The mixed martial arts fight at Miami's Kaseya Center was Trump's first UFC visit since he took office in January, and it came weeks after Trump attended the Saudi-sponsored LIV golf tournament at his golf club in Miami. In a further nod to his sports enthusiasm, Trump has also attended the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 since taking office. He sat cageside at a UFC championship fight in New York City last November, shortly after he won the 2024 election. Aside from the president, the main event for the UFC 314 fight is a championship bout between Australian former champion Alexander Volkanovski and Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes, who are competing for the featherweight championship title. It's the fourth UFC event in Miami, in a county that supported the president by about 11 percentage points in the November election. The president arrived in West Palm Beach on Friday for his 10th visit to South Florida since he became president, spending the evening in his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. He flew to Miami after playing golf at his club in West Palm Beach. 'You know who's going to win? Dana White. Dana White's gonna win,' Trump told reporters Saturday night aboard Air Force One. His close affiliation with UFC helped boost his 2024 presidential campaign among young male voters prior to the November election, where he made promoting hypermasculine tones a signature of the campaign.
