Latest news with #non-Trump
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
That Tesla Trump Shilled At The White House? Yeah, He's Selling It.
Less than a week ago, President Donald Trump presented Elon Musk with a gold-colored key as a token of his affection in an Oval Office ceremony. Now we've reached the 'division of assets' part of the divorce proceedings. A White House official told multiplemediaoutlets Friday that President Donald Trump plans to sell ― or in a distinctly non-Trump move, give away ― the Tesla he bought in March, back when his bromance with the Tesla CEO was in full bloom. According to NBC News, the red Model S is currently parked on a long driveway known as 'West Executive Avenue' that sits adjacent to the White House, next to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and communications adviser Margo Martin apparently took the car out for a joyride last week, documenting the moment on social media: 'The Tesla President Trump bought for staff to use as part of a demo on the south lawn to help Tesla is going to be either given away or sold off,' Fox News' Peter Doocy reported, adding that 'Elon Musk was wearing thin on President Trump for about a month.' That's a sharp change in tone from just two months ago, when Trump turned the White House into a Tesla dealership, buying a Model S for himself while reading notes from a Tesla sales pitch aloud for the media. 'I'm going to buy because, number one it's a great product, as good as it gets, and number two because this man has devoted his energy and his life to doing this,' Trump said at the time, referring to Musk as 'a great patriot.' Sitting in the driver's seat moments later, Trump looked at the dashboard and exclaimed, 'Everything's computer!' Elon Musk Says Donald Trump Is In The Jeffrey Epstein Files AOC Gets Delightfully Catty On Trump-Musk Split Ex-Trump Aide Names The Elon Musk Attack That's 'Going To Stick The Most' With Trump Musk-Trump Spat Hits New High As Musk's Ex Piles On
Business Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
Not insular politics but glocal
MANY recent elections across the world swung against incumbents, with votes turning on national issues. The longstanding adage is that all politics is local. Results from Singapore's general elections held in May however challenge both those expectations. Not only was the incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) returned to power with an increased popular vote. Global issues too played a significant role, with particular focus on 'Liberation Day' tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Trade, investment and market sentiments across the world have since been affected, and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong effectively focused on the emerging impacts on Singapore. He did this early when delivering the S Rajaratnam Lecture the day after Parliament dissolved in anticipation of the election, and raised the issues again in the May Day Rally, just before cooling-off day and voting. More than non-Trump Voters in Canada and Australia had similar concerns too, and voted for alternatives to Trump-like figures and policies. But the Singapore result was not simply a reaction against the controversial American president. PM Wong – leading the PAP in electioneering for the first time – sought to convince Singapore that there would be direct and profound impacts. Building on observations shared early in the year by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the analysis is that the current global order is changing, and experienced and steady hands are needed. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Both PM Wong and his deputy, Gan Kim Yong, were key figures during the global pandemic, regularly briefing Singaporeans about the situation. Trust was built from those circumstances, and emerging global conditions have given this a premium. The Wong government quickly showed commitment by setting up a new task force to help those impacted by global trade dislocations. Add to this the generous 2025 budget. This provided evidence that government assistance would go beyond words, to deliver support and funding. In the S Rajaratnam lecture, the prime minister called on Singaporeans not to have an 'island mentality', insular in attitude, but to connect to broader issues and to each other, and remain open. Voters seem to have responded positively. Local-level action speaks louder This is not to say that local issues were left aside. Inflation, housing and jobs were consistently and strongly raised by the opposition. This was across the board, whether by the Workers' Party (WP) – that maintained its 10 elected seats and picked up two non-constituency seats – or other parties who failed to win any. Yet while these domestic issues were repeatedly raised, the PAP chose how best to respond. Campaigning in West Coast, for example, Progress Singapore Party's Leong Mun Wai was rebuffed when he challenged incumbent minister Desmond Lee and the PAP to a debate. Instead, in most constituencies, the PAP favoured on-ground efforts, to re-emphasise their attentive presence and practical offers to help. They largely avoided speechifying, and canvassed broader issues at rallies and TV, mainly by PM Wong speaking at centralised, national platforms. The result was a balance. Local and insular issues did not dominate, while global concerns were not abstract. Rather, the politics that mattered in the elections combined aspects of both and, to borrow a phrase, could be considered, 'glocal'. The WP stance was not dissimilar. Emerging as the sole opposition party with any seat in the next Parliament, they largely agree on foreign policy and campaigned on the fact that they have experience in running constituencies. Controversies that did not bite Anticipated controversies, in contrast, did not bite. These included recent cases that embroiled political office holders in corruption and inappropriate relationships. Even longstanding disputes aired by Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son of founding PM Lee Kuan Yew, and published in The New York Times were greeted by most with a raised eyebrow and shrug. Many feel these have received more than enough air time. There were also global issues that did not strongly feature in campaigning. One was the humanitarian concern over Gaza. While Singaporeans do care about the situation there, there was an appeal to ensure that issues abroad would not be used to divide Singaporeans. Another issue was when two Malaysian opposition politicians and an ex-Singaporean and self-styled Muslim preacher encouraged voting along religious lines. PM Wong intervened on the basis that such online messaging amounted to foreign interference and crossed the line against mixing religion and politics. He called on all parties to agree that this was unacceptable. WP chief Pritam Singh was quick to publicly deny that his party's agenda had been influenced. Other factors no doubt played a role in the result. These include giveaways in the Budget, the likeability of the new PM, and the generally positive tone in campaigning. The campaign notably eschewed and called out personal attacks. But the global turmoil and connections to the local and national issues were standout factors that made a difference. The result is a strong popular mandate for PM Wong and his team that will support the Wong government in the international arena. What major powers do remains beyond Singapore's control. An island in a turbulent world will always be vulnerable. But resilience bears emphasis. This does not mean controlling what happens. Resilience focuses instead on how we respond. That Singaporeans responded with 'glocal' awareness is good news, and not just for the vote. If citizens give attention to both global concerns and to what is in their personal interests and Singapore's, our country will be more resilient and united in facing the challenges ahead. The writer is chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs
Canada News.Net
03-05-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Canadians head to the polls amid new Trump annexation bid
Canadians on Monday cast their votes for their new Prime Minister, who, after Justin Trudeau's decade-long rule, will be tasked with tackling soaring costs and housing shortages at home, along with Donald Trump's trade war and renewed push for the US to annex its resource-rich neighbour. Votes were being counted Monday in aCanadianelectionthat will choose a leader to confront Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats, which the US president renewed in an election day message. The Liberal Party, led by new Prime MinisterMark Carney, was trailing Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives until Trump's attacks on Canada sparked a wave of patriotism and a sudden reversal in poll forecasts. Trump inserted himself into Canadian politics again on election day with a social media post saying Canada would face "ZEROTARIFFS" if it "becomes the cherished 51st state." Poilievre, criticized during the campaign for his at-times muted anger towards Trump, hit back firmly. "President Trump, stay out of our election," he posted on X. "Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state." Carney also weighed in, saying on X: "This is Canada and we decide what happens here." The 60-year-old has never held elected office and only replacedJustin Trudeauas prime minister last month. A hockey player in his youth, Carney had a lucrative career as an investment banker before serving as the central bank governor in both Canada andBritain. "Today, we leave everything on this ice," he said on social media before voting near his Ottawa home. Carney anchored his campaign on an anti-Trump message and argued that his global financial experience has prepared him to guide Canada through a trade war. The United States, he repeatedly said, was "trying to break us, so they can own us." Read moreCanadian PM says era of close ties with US is 'over' after Trump's auto tariffs Poilievre, a 45-year-old career politician, tried to keep the focus on domestic concerns that made Trudeau deeply unpopular toward the end of his decade in power. The Tory leader argued Carney would continue "the lost Liberal decade" and that only the Conservatives will act against soaring costs, housing shortages and other non-Trump issues that Canadians rank as priorities. "It's simple: No vote, no change," he said on social media Monday, urging people to get to the polls. 'Settle down' Final polls indicate a tight race but put Carney as the favorite. With warm spring weather, Canadians lined up outside schools, community centers and other venues in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto to vote. Montreal resident Hamza Fahri, who planned to vote after work, described the election as "unique." "I wanted to vote for change in Canada. I wanted the Liberals to go, but in the end, I'll vote for Carney because he is a strong, serious man and that's what the country needs to face Trump," the 28-year-old engineer told AFP. In Canada's largest city Toronto, Conservative supporter Chad McCann said the Liberals "hadn't really done much for us" over their decade in power. "I think for a strong change, there is no better time than today," the 37-year-old told AFP. For first-time voter Hilary Recker, getting to the polls was a priority. "I'm just excited to vote," the 19-year-old Toronto resident said. "Hopefully it doesn't end up like the (United) States and I don't get disappointed." Historic turnaround? A vast country that spans six time zones, Canada will see its final polling stations in western regions close at 7:00 pm local time (0200 GMT), with results expected later in the evening. If the Liberals win, it would mark one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Canadian political history. On January 6, the day Trudeau announced he would resign, the Conservatives led the Liberals by more than 20 points in most polls. But Carney replacing Trudeau, combined with nationwide unease about Trump, transformed the race. Public broadcaster CBC's poll aggregator's final update late Sunday put the Liberals' national support at 42.8 percent, with the Conservatives at 39.2 percent. The performance of two smaller parties -- the left-wing New Democratic Party and the separatist Bloc Quebecois -- could be decisive as strong showings by both parties in past votes have curbed Liberal seat tallies. Nearly 29 million of Canada's 41 million people are eligible to vote in the massive G7 country. A record 7.3 million people cast advanced ballots. Canadians will elect 343 members of parliament, meaning 172 seats are needed for a majority. The Liberals won a majority in 2015 but have governed with a minority since 2019. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Originally published on France24
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Canada votes as Trump renews US takeover push for ‘cherished 51st state'
Vote signs outside a polling station during a federal election in Ottawa, Ontario. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG Canada votes as Trump renews US takeover push for 'cherished 51st state' OTTAWA - Canadians across six time zones were voting April 28 to choose a new leader to confront Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats, which the US president renewed in a forceful election day message. The Liberal Party, led by new Prime Minister Mark Carney, looked set to lose to the Conservatives' Pierre Poilievre until Mr Trump's attacks on Canada sparked a sudden reversal in poll forecasts. Mr Trump inserted himself into Canadian politics on election day with a social media post saying Canada would face 'ZERO TARIFFS' if it 'becomes the cherished 51st state.' 'No more artificially drawn line from many years ago,' he said. Mr Trump's prominence in the race has hurt Mr Poilievre's chances of becoming prime minister and the Tory leader hit back before he voted on April 28. 'President Trump, stay out of our election,' he posted on X. 'Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.' Mr Carney also chided the president, saying on X: 'This is Canada and we decide what happens here.' The 60-year-old has never held elected office and only replaced Mr Justin Trudeau as prime minister last month. He had a lucrative career as an investment banker before serving as the central bank governor in both Canada and Britain. Mr Carney has argued his global financial experience has prepared him to guide Canada's response to Mr Trump. 'We don't need chaos, we need calm. We don't need anger, we need an adult,' Mr Carney said in the campaign's closing days. Mr Poilievre, a 45-year-old career politician, has tried to keep the focus on domestic concerns that made Trudeau deeply unpopular toward the end of his decade in power. The Tory leader argued Mr Carney would continue 'the lost Liberal decade' and that only the Conservatives will act against soaring costs, housing shortages and other non-Trump issues that Canadians rank as priorities. 'Settle down' Final polls indicate a tight race but put Mr Carney as the favourite. With warm spring weather, Canadians lined up outside schools, community centres and other venues in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto to vote. Montreal resident Hamza Fahri, who plans to vote after work, described the election as 'unique.' 'I wanted to vote for change in Canada. I wanted the Liberals to go, but in the end, I'll vote for Carney because he is a strong, serious man and that's what the country needs to face Trump,' the 28-year-old engineer told AFP. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside his wife Diana Fox Carney, giving a thumbs up after casting his ballot in Ottawa. PHOTO: AFP But Ms Kelsey Leschasin, who lives in the Conservative-leaning central province of Saskatchewan, said her priority was 'change.' 'I don't agree with the Liberal government and how they're running our country,' she told AFP in Montreal, where she was visiting for a conference. In Ottawa, Ms Caroline Jose voiced concern that Mr Trump's threats had put voters into 'kind of a panic,' and that critical issues like income inequality had not been discussed. 'I wish we could have things settle down and (people) could vote with their mind and not with their gut,' the 46-year-old said. Historic turnaround? If the Liberals win, it would mark one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Canadian political history. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his wife Anaida Poilievre casting their vote in Ottawa. PHOTO: AFP On Jan 6, the day Mr Trudeau announced he would resign, the Conservatives led the Liberals by more than 20 points in most polls. But Mr Carney replacing Mr Trudeau, combined with nationwide unease about Mr Trump, transformed the race. Public broadcaster CBC's poll aggregator final update late April 27 put the Liberals' national support at 42.8 per cent, with the Conservatives at 39.2 per cent. The performance of two smaller parties – the left-wing New Democratic Party and the separatist Bloc Quebecois – could be decisive as strong showings by both parties in past votes have curbed Liberal seat tallies. Nearly 29 million of Canada's 41 million people are eligible to vote in the massive G-7 country. A record 7.3 million people cast advanced ballots. Canadians will elect 343 Members of Parliament, meaning 172 seats are needed for a majority. The Liberals won a majority in 2015 but have governed with a minority since 2019. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Ya Libnan
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Vote count begins in Canada election seen as a referendum on Trump's threats
Votes were being counted Monday in a Canadian election that will choose a leader to confront Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats, which the US president renewed in an election day message. The Liberal Party, led by new Prime Minister Mark Carney, was trailing Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives until Trump's attacks on Canada sparked a wave of patriotism and a sudden reversal in poll forecasts. Polling stations across the vast country that spans six time zones have started to close, with results from smaller eastern provinces trickling in. Voting was ongoing across much of Canada, and a projected outcome is not expected until later on Monday. Trump inserted himself into the race early in the day with a social media post saying Canada would face 'ZERO TARIFFS' if it 'becomes the cherished 51st state.' Poilievre, criticized during the campaign for his at-times muted anger towards Trump, hit back firmly. 'President Trump, stay out of our election,' he posted on X. 'Canada will always be proud, sovereign, and independent, and we will NEVER be the 51st state.' Carney also weighed in, saying on X: 'This is Canada, and we have decided what happens here.' The 60-year-old has never held elected office and only replaced Justin Trudeau as prime minister last month. A hockey player in his youth, Carney had a lucrative career as an investment banker before serving as the central bank governor in both Canada and Britain. Canadians to decide whether to extend the Liberal Party's decade in power or hand control to the Conservatives. They'll pick new Prime Minister Mark Carney or populist opposition leader Pierre Poilievre , but the election is also a referendum of sorts on someone who isn't even Canadian: Donald Trump. The country is also grappling with the aftermath of a fatal car ramming attack on Saturday in Vancouver . The tragedy prompted the suspension of campaigning for several hours. Police ruled out terrorism and said the suspect is a local man with a history of mental health issues. Elections Canada has said it's sticking with paper ballots — which are hand counted — for these federal elections. Candidates may appoint representatives to oversee the count. Results from polling stations are reported to Elections Canada, which releases them online. Results typically trickle out as polls close, since ballot boxes themselves aren't relocated to centralized places for counting. Poillievre Poilievre, a 45-year-old career politician, tried to keep the focus on domestic concerns that made Trudeau deeply unpopular toward the end of his decade in power. The Tory leader argued Carney would continue 'the lost Liberal decade' and that only the Conservatives will act against soaring costs, housing shortages and other non-Trump issues that Canadians rank as priorities. Ya Libnan /AFP/AP
