Latest news with #SemaforWorldEconomySummit2025
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Steve Bannon Rebukes 'Traitorous' Republicans
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. Right-wing podcaster Steve Bannon issued a sharp rebuke Thursday against Republican lawmakers backing the Dignity Act, an updated bill proposing a pathway to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants. "Message to [Republican Representative Maria Elvira] Salazar and other traitorous Republicans: MASS DEPORTATIONS NOW; AMNESTY NEVER," Bannon, who served as the CEO of Trump's 2016 campaign and remains a key figure within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, wrote on Gettr on Thursday morning. Bannon told Newsweek via phone on Thursday that the legislation has "zero chance" of going anywhere, adding that Salazar has "been pushing amnesty since she got to Congress." Why It Matters Nine Republican House lawmakers on Tuesday signed on to the reintroduction of an immigration-related bill called the Dignity Act that legislative sponsors say provides an "updated compromise" addressing legal status and protections for undocumented immigrants, border security, asylum reform, and visa reform. What to Know The Dignity Act, introduced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, has drawn both bipartisan support and fierce criticism from the Republican Party's hardline wing. The proposed legislation, co-led by Salazar of Florida and Democrat Veronica Escobar of Texas, would grant legal status and protections to undocumented immigrants, overhaul the asylum process, and create a regulated pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and others residing in the U.S. without legal authorization. Backers have called it "the most impactful immigration reform in a generation." Salazar told reporters on Wednesday in Washington that the bill does not provide amnesty, nor does it provide a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Chief Strategist to the President Steve Bannon speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. Chief Strategist to the President Steve Bannon speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025 in Washington, told Newsweek via phone on Thursday that the legislation has "zero chance" of going anywhere, adding that Salazar has "been pushing amnesty since she got to Congress." "She calls it a different thing, always has a different spin on amnesty," Bannon said. "Right now, people, the only thing they're interested in is mass deportations. They wanna see the deportations kick up." Support for the bill among Republicans has included Representatives Mario Rafael Diaz-Balart (Florida), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), Mike Lawler (New York), Dan Newhouse (Washington), David Valadao (California), Mike Kelly (Pennsylvania), Gabe Evans (Colorado), Marlin Stutzman (Indiana), Don Bacon (Nebraska), and Young Kim (California). The measure is also supported by 11 Democrats. Part of the legislation included allowing undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. since prior to 2021 to apply for up to seven years of legal status with work authorization, provided that they pay restitution and check in regularly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). "Don't get me wrong, the reason that we have the situation that we have with 10 or 20 million coming in during [President Joe] Biden's because of RINO [Republicans In Name Only] Republicans that have wanted and teased amnesty to attract people. The whole DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] fight and everything about amnesty attracts more people coming here 'cause they figure if they come here, they're eventually going to get a path to citizenship." This issue is "exactly" what has galvanized a stronger conservative of minorities, including Hispanics and African Americans, to vote more heavily for Trump in 2024, Bannon added. "[They are] finally coming our way and voting for us exactly on this issue, that there's not going to be any path to citizenship for anyone coming here illegally," he said. "People know that's what's driving down wages and making the schools intolerable, and destroying health care and deferring healthcare. It's a political winner. "But Salazar and people like her, her co-sponsors are always going to continue to bring her fantasy, and that just attracts more people to the United States." The 22-page bill summary presents myriad options for immigration reform, including the following major revisions: Granting legal status and protections to undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. Reforming the asylum screening process to provide an opportunity for review and access to counsel. Creating new regional processing centers so migrants do not have to make the "perilous journey" to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum. Investing in border security and modernizing land ports of entry. Mandating accountability for ICE. Providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. The bill also alludes to the "recent riots in Los Angeles," a line that has drawn consternation across conservative circles. Bannon's criticism reflects a wider rift within the party over immigration policy. The Dignity Act stands in contrast to President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB)," which recently increased funding for enforcement and eliminated bond hearings for undocumented immigrants facing deportation. That legislation does not include a pathway to legal status or citizenship, focusing instead on deportation and stricter asylum rules. With the Dignity Act facing opposition from some within the party and advocacy from others citing economic needs and border reforms, intraparty divisions remain front and center as the debate over immigration continues. What People Are Saying Representative Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida on NBC's Meet the Press on Wednesday: "The border is secured, the BBB assures $150 billion for border security on the southern border. Now is the time to have a national conversation as to what we're going to do with those people who have been here over five years. They are needed in the economy and don't have a criminal record. Dignity is the best solution; it's not a path to citizenship, it's not amnesty. It lets them stay, work and pay taxes." Representative Veronica Escobar, in a statement earlier this week: "I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system." Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi told Newsweek on Tuesday: "Without congressional action to roll back many of the core immigration elements of H.R. 1—especially the funding and restrictions around detention, deportations, and parole—there's really no practical space for the Dignity Act's approach," Berardi said. "However, I do think this framework could help create bipartisan conversations focused on creating easier work-visa access and temporary status for migrant workers in industries like agriculture, hospitality, health care and manufacturing. Azoria CEO James Fishback on X: "No, Maria—the LA riots are a reason to *triple down* on deportations. MAGA is not gonna let Country Club Republicans give amnesty to illegals because they don't want to pay Americans a real wage to trim the Bermuda on hole nine. Also, it's disgraceful to call it the 'Dignity Act' when it disgraces the dignity of every American who pays taxes and follows the law—only to watch their job handed to one of Salazar's new 'constituents.'" What Happens Next Trump's bill, signed into law last weekend, drastically increases funding for immigration enforcement efforts, likely leading to more detentions and deportations.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Steve Bannon Opens Up About Life Behind Bars: 'Drugs, Drones and Despair'
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. Ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon has opened up about his experience of prison, saying illicit drug use was widespread, contraband was delivered by drone, and a sense of hopelessness pervaded inmates. Bannon, who served time for contempt of Congress, was speaking of his life inside the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, in a recent interview with former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz on his Anchormen podcast. Newsweek contacted Bannon via his podcast email and the Bureau of Prisons via email on Friday outside of usual working hours for comment. Why It Matters Bannon began a four-month prison sentence on July 1, 2024, after he was found guilty in 2022 of two counts of contempt of Congress for failing to respond to a subpoena issued by the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He was released in October. What To Know Speaking to Gaetz about his observations in prison, in a video shared on Gaetz's online accounts, Bannon talked about witnessing drones dropping packages into the prison yard, allegedly containing narcotics like 'K2', a synthetic marijuana drug. "I would say that a third comes in from drones," Bannon said, "which is crazy to think about, it's unbelievable. They had a drone come in on the beginning of Labor Day weekend that dropped phones and drugs down in the yard. They locked the yard down, then they locked us all down for Labor Day." Political strategist Steve Bannon speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Bannon has recently spoken out about his time in federal prison. Political strategist Steve Bannon speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Bannon has recently spoken out about his time in federal also claimed that the drug "can come in on paper, on legal documents, on books. People send them books, and they got it on there in prison; you can get anything you want. They get phones, they get drugs in there. " Beyond the contraband issues, Bannon highlighted the psychological toll on inmates, noting that being confined for years can "break a person." "These kids are 25 years old, Hispanic and Black," Bannon said. "Principally, they are in prison for 15, 20, and 25 years in a small place like Danbury. So in Danbury, which is 100 years old, accommodation for 800, I think we had 1,200 at one time there because of so many foreign nationals and child molesters. "It's so overcrowded, these young men get there, they have 20 years of their life [that] are gonna be spent in the confines of Danbury prison, that's hard. It was hard for me for four months, for 25 years, when you're 25 years old, it can break a person. "And what they do is they start doing this drug K2 that can get into the prisons, and once that happens, they're violent, uncontrollable, and that can happen at any time. Bannon emphasized what he sees as a lack of rehabilitative programs, stating, "The federal prison system is set up to break families, and these people, I'm telling you, the Black and Hispanic men in those prisons don't support the Democratic Party. I think the Democratic Party is screwed." What People Are Saying As reported by Newsweek, Bannon previously described himself as a "political prisoner" who was sent to federal prison by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to "break" him. "The four months in federal prison, not only didn't break me, it empowered me," Bannon said. "I am more energized and more focused than I've ever been in my entire life, and I can see clearly, just like in 2016 and in 2020, exactly what's going on here." Reposting the video on his X page, Gaetz simply commented: "Wow." What Happens Next Since his release last year, Bannon has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the current justice system and has looked at prison reform. He continues to assert that his imprisonment was politically motivated and has vowed to remain an active figure in politics.
CNBC
07-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Billionaire Ken Griffin calls tariffs a 'painfully regressive tax,' hitting working class Americans the hardest
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. Billionaire Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of the Citadel hedge fund, said working class Americans will bear the brunt of President Donald Trump's punitive tariffs on U.S. trading partners. "Tariffs hit the pocketbook of hardworking Americans the hardest," Griffin said on CNBC's "Closing Bell" Wednesday. "It's like a sales tax for the American people. It's going to hit those who are working the hardest to make ends meet. That's my big issue with tariffs. It's such a painfully regressive tax." Trump rolled out shockingly high levies on imports last month, triggering extreme swings on Wall Street. The president later went on to announce a 90-day pause on much of the increase, except for China, as the White House sought to strike deals with major trading partners. Trump has slapped tariffs of 145% on imported Chinese goods this year, prompting China to impose retaliatory levies of 125%. Griffin, whose hedge fund managed more than $65 billion at the start of 2025, voted for Trump and was a megadonor to Republican politicians. But he has also criticized Trump's trade policy, saying it risks spoiling the "brand" of the United States and its government bond market. "The reason the American voters elected President Trump was because of the failed economic policies of Joe Biden and the inflationary shock that reduced the real incomes of every American household," Griffin said. "The president really does have to focus on managing inflation, because I think it's front and center, the primary score card that American voters are going to think about when it comes to this midterm election." The Wall Street titan said there is a "modest" risk of stagflation as higher tariffs create both inflationary pressures and slow down the economy. He said the trajectory of the economy largely depends on how Trump's economic policy develops. As laid out by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trump's economic program takes a three-pronged approach: trade, tax cuts and deregulation. "The question is, will all three of those come together to give us the growth that we need in our economy?," Griffin asked. "That's the real question we're going to face over the next two years."
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Uber CEO highlights UAE driverless push at World Summit
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi reacts on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022. PHOTO:REUTERS Listen to article Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi praised the company's growing partnerships in the UAE for self-driving car services, speaking at the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 in Washington on Friday. Khosrowshahi highlighted Uber's collaboration with China's WeRide, which has already introduced autonomous vehicle services in Abu Dhabi and plans to expand into Dubai. "It's a terrific team, and we offer WeRides now in Abu Dhabi, and recently announced that expansion into Dubai as well," he said. The partnership, launched in 2024, saw self-driving WeRide cars operating on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, with future growth expected. The vehicles, operated by UAE transport company Tawasul, run on the Uber platform and include a human safety operator behind the wheel. Earlier this year, Uber and WeRide also partnered with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to introduce driverless taxis to Dubai, further strengthening the UAE's push toward sustainable and innovative transport solutions. Khosrowshahi, speaking during the "AI and the Next Tech Revolution" portion of the summit, also discussed challenges in the broader automotive sector, referencing Tesla's struggles amid declining profits and political controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk. While noting the difficulty of the original equipment manufacturing business, he praised Tesla's vehicles, admitting he owns one and occasionally uses its self-driving features. 'It's delightful but I have to take over once in a while,' Khosrowshahi said. Uber continues to invest in autonomous vehicle development, balancing its long-standing reliance on human drivers with future ambitions for driverless transport. Other notable speakers at the summit included Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director of Mubadala, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, and Nasdaq chief Adena Friedman.
