Latest news with #USRepublicanParty
Euronews
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Fact-checking claims Pope Leo XIV is a registered US Republican
Weeks after Robert Prevost was elected the first US-born pope, speculation about his political leanings and affiliations continues to spread online. Some commentators are purporting that voting records show Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is formally affiliated to the US Republican Party. Pro-Trump influencer Charlie Kirk first planted the theory an hour after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, indicating Pope Leo's election by the papal conclave. In a post on X, Kirk said: "Our Turning Point Action team pulled the voting history for Pope Leo XIV. He's a registered Republican who has voted in Republican primaries when not living abroad. Our data shows he's a strong Republican, and he's pro-life." The post is accompanied by a screenshot claiming to be Robert Prevost's voting card. Prevost's name, age and date of birth are correctly displayed. The word "Republican" also appears next to "party." But the state of Illinois does not register voters by political party affiliation, according to judicial advocacy group Alliance for Justice. It means this cannot be an authentic voting card as the state does not register voters as either Republican or Democrat. In other US states, voters do declare party affiliation when registering to vote, and this sometimes determines in which primary elections voters can cast their ballots. Primary elections, or primaries, are ballots that political parties in the US use to select candidates for a general election. Voters can chose in which party's primary they want to vote. Hoewever, state voting records shared with Euroverify by the office of the attorney general of Will County, Illinois, show that Prevost did vote in three Republican primary elections in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Voters in the state are, however, not bound to pick the same party's primary from year to year. This is therefore not conclusive proof that Prevost is affiliated to the Republican party. Prevost's party affiliation is also registered as "undeclared" in general elections between 2012 and 2024. According to Reuters, citing a public information officer for the Illinois state elections board, Prevost had requested ballots for the 2008 and 2010 Democratic primaries when registered to vote in Cook County, Illinois. Euroverify was unable to independently fact check this information. Social media users have also been searching for signs of Prevost's political leanings in content in content shared by him online prior to his election as pope. Months before his election, he shared an article published by the National Catholic Reporter criticising comments made by JD Vance. The article, titled "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others", blasts a comment made by Vance during a Fox News interview, suggesting that Christians should prioritise love for their "fellow citizens" and "own country" over "the rest of the world." In April, he also shared a post critical of Donald Trump's immigration policies, specifically the controversial decision to deport Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, which has been described as Supreme Court judges as "an error." In an emotional tribute on Sunday afternoon, tennis legend Rafael Nadal was honoured during a ceremony at the Roland Garros tournament in Paris. The record 14-time French Open winner, who officially retired in November, returned to the court not as a competitor but as a celebrated legend. Greeted by thousands of fans wearing orange 'Merci Rafa' shirts, Nadal received a standing ovation as he stepped onto the clay one final time. No longer in his signature headband or capri pants, the Spaniard arrived in a dark suit, visibly moved by the outpouring of affection. As the crowd cheered, Nadal fought back tears, delivering a speech in French, English, and his native Spanish, as he reflected on two decades of triumphs, setbacks, and unforgettable memories at Roland Garros. "I don't know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. Winning, losing — but especially being moved every time I've had the chance to be here.' Nadal retired with a staggering 112-4 record at the French Open and a flawless 14-0 record in finals, an achievement unmatched in the sport's history. His impact on the sport was acknowledged not only by the crowd but also by fellow greats Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, who joined him on court in a powerful moment of solidarity. Once fierce rivals, the quartet known as the Big Four stood together in celebration, not competition. 'We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respecting each other very well. And for me, it means a lot that you are all here,' Nadal said to his greatest rivals. In keeping with his family values, Nadal thanked his longtime coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, along with his wife and young son. His appreciation extended to fans and the French public, whom he credited with making him feel at home throughout his career. 'Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined. You can never know how gratifying it is to be appreciated in the place that matters most. ... You made me feel like a Frenchman,' Nadal said. 'I can no longer play in front of you anymore, but my heart and my memories will always be linked to this magical place.' The tribute culminated in two lasting symbols of his legacy: a commemorative trophy and a newly installed plaque on the Philippe-Chatrier central court, engraved with his 14 titles and his shoe footprint -- a literal symbol of the mark he left on the sport and on the clay of Roland Garros.
Mint
18-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
New US remittance tax proposal: What it means for NRIs sending money to India
A significant tax development is on the horizon for non-resident Indians in the US. The US government's House Ways and Means Committee has advanced a sweeping bill titled the 'One Big Beautiful" Tax Act, aimed at extending several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and introducing new tax measures. Among these proposals is the introduction of a 5% tax on remittances sent abroad, a measure that could directly impact thousands of NRIs who regularly transfer funds to their families in India. While the bill is subject to a Senate review and further debate, a majority of US Republican Party leaders aim to finalize it by 4 July. If passed in its current form, the remittance transfer tax will take effect on transfers made after 31 December 2025. Let's break down what this proposed tax means, especially for NRIs on H1B, L1, or F1 visas and Green Card holders. What is remittance transfer tax? Under the proposed Chapter 36C, Section 4475 of the US's Internal Revenue Code, a 5% tax will be levied on remittance transfers—that is, money sent by individuals from the US to recipients in other countries, including India. This tax is not based on income but on the amount being transferred abroad. For example, if you send $10,000 to India, you could be required to pay an additional $500 in tax. When will this tax apply? If enacted, the remittance transfer tax would apply to all qualifying transfers made on or after 1 January 2026. The accompanying refund and reporting provisions will apply to tax years ending after that date. Also read | How the India-UK Double Contribution Convention benefits employers and employees Who will be affected? This tax primarily affects non-citizen residents in the US, including NRIs on H1B, L1, or F1 visas, Green Card holders, and any individual who is not a verified US citizen or national. If you fall into any of these categories and send money to India, you could soon be required to pay this new tax. The proposed legislation provides a narrow exemption for verified US citizens and nationals and transfers made through 'qualified remittance providers" who have agreements with the US's Internal Revenue Service department to verify a sender's citizenship status. If a US citizen ends up paying the tax, they can claim a refundable tax credit, but only if they provide a valid social security number and supporting documentation. How will the tax be collected? The tax is collected at the point of transfer by the remittance provider, such as as bank or a money transfer service. The service provider will collect the 5% tax from the sender and deposit the tax with the US treasury department on a quarterly basis. If a provider fails to collect the tax at the time of transfer, they will become liable for the payment instead. Also read | ITR filing: Why you shouldn't rush to file taxes as soon as the portal opens Anti-abuse provisions To prevent circumvention of the remittance transfer tax, the proposal includes anti-conduit and anti-abuse rules. This means any indirect or creative structure used to avoid paying the remittance tax—such as funnelling money through third parties or shell accounts—could trigger enforcement actions and penalties. Let's say you are an H1B visa holder in the US and you send $20,000 to your parents in India in February 2026. Under the proposed law: This is over and above any other fees or charges that may already apply to international remittances. Also read | BluSmart lessons: Investors must look beyond high-growth stories What should NRIs start preparing for? Here are a few practical steps NRIs can consider: Final thoughts While this tax is not yet law, it represents a significant shift in US tax policy on foreign remittances. If passed, it will increase the cost of sending money abroad for a large segment of the NRI community, particularly those who are not US citizens. NRIs in the US should closely monitor legislative developments and consider speaking with a cross-border tax specialist to understand the full implications. What begins as a small percentage today can lead to a meaningful cumulative impact over time, especially for those with ongoing financial obligations in India. Ajay R. Vaswani is the founder of ARAS and Company, Chartered Accountants. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult a licenced professional.
