Tax bill contains 'sledgehammer' for Trump to retaliate against foreign digital taxes

 

\U.S. President Donald Trump would have the power to retaliate against countries that impose special digital service taxes on large U.S. technology companies like Amazon and Alphabet, under a provision in the sweeping tax bill that Congress is considering.

"If foreign countries want to come in the United States and tax US businesses, then those foreign-based businesses ought to be taxed as well," said Representative Ron Estes, a Kansas Republican who helped craft the provision.Some 17 countries in Europe and others around the world impose or have announced such taxes on U.S. tech products like Meta's Instagram. Germany announced on Thursday it was considering a 10% tax on platforms like Google.

The levies have drawn bipartisan ire in Washington. Democrats who oppose much of the tax bill have not spoken out against the retaliatory tax provision, found in Section 899 of the 1,100-page bill.

Trump has been pressing foreign countries to lower barriers to U.S. commerce. Under the bill, Congress would empower his administration to impose tax hikes on foreign residents and companies that do business in the U.S. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to decide on taxes and spending

Trump Says China ‘Totally Violated’ Tariff Agreement

 

On May 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of "totally violating" a recently established trade agreement between the two nations. This agreement, reached on May 12, aimed to ease escalating trade tensions by significantly reducing tariffs for 90 days. Under the accord, the U.S. agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China committed to reducing its tariffs from 125% to 10%, with changes effective by May 14 .

President Trump expressed frustration over China's alleged non-compliance, particularly highlighting concerns over critical minerals. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer corroborated these concerns, citing China's failure to resume exports of rare-earth magnets, which are vital for electric motors . Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that trade negotiations have stalled but indicated that a new round of talks and a possible call between President Trump and Chinese Party Chair Xi Jinping may occur in the coming weeks

Fox News has reported that U.S. President Donald J.

 

Fox News has reported that U.S. President Donald J. Trump has just been urgently rushed to the hospital after attending a private meeting inside the White House in the historic West Wing. Emergency responders were seen rushing to the White House shortly after…see more below As of now, there are no credible reports confirming that former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has been urgently rushed to the hospital following a private meeting at the White House. The most recent incident involving a medical emergency at the White House occurred last month during Dr. Mehmet Oz's swearing-in ceremony. During this event, a young girl fainted near the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office while President Trump was speaking. The situation prompted an abrupt end to the press conference, with the press being quickly ushered out of the room .(LiveNOW, Fox News, The US Sun)

This incident was unrelated to President Trump's health. The last known hospitalization of President Trump was in October 2020, when he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after testing positive for COVID-19. He received treatment, including supplemental oxygen and the antiviral drug remdesivir, and returned to the White House after a few days .(CNN, RNZ)

If you have any specific concerns or need information on a particular topic, feel free to ask.

Iran rejects temporary halt on uranium enrichment to secure US nuclear deal

 

Iran will not consider temporarily suspending uranium enrichment to secure a nuclear deal with the US, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, adding that no date had yet been set for a sixth round of talks with Washington.

; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The negotiations between Washington and Tehran aim to resolve a decades-long dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and both sides have taken a tough stance in public over the issue of Iran’s uranium enrichment.

Asked about reports that Iran could freeze enrichment for three years to reach an agreement, spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told a press conference: “Iran will never accept that.”

Baghaei also ruled out the possibility of an interim nuclear deal with the US, dismissing media reports that a provisional agreement was being considered as a temporary step toward a final deal.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that US negotiators had “very good” talks with an Iranian delegation over the weekend.

Iran is waiting for further details from mediator Oman regarding the timing of the next round of talks, Baghaei said.

“If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic, but if talks are aimed at curbing Iran’s rights then talks will get nowhere,” he added.

The stakes are high for both sides.

Trump wants to curtail Tehran’s potential to produce a nuclear weapon that could trigger a regional nuclear arms race and perhaps threaten Israel. Iran, for its part, maintains its nuclear program is exclusively for civilian purposes and wants to be rid of devastating sanctions on its oil-based economy.

 

Trump meets with South Africa’s president as Johnson pushes to advance domestic policy bill

S President Donald Trump is meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who just arrived at the White House.

The meeting is billed as a trade engagement, but the South African government said “reframing bilateral, economic and commercial relations” was the specific focus of Ramaphosa’s US visit.

Ties between both nations have been fraught since Trump froze aid to South Africa in February over claims it was mistreating its minority White population.

And in March, the US expelled South Africa’s ambassador.

he White House is asking Speaker Mike Johnson and some key GOP holdouts to meet with President Donald Trump today to work through a major impasse on the tax and spending cuts bill, according to one of the holdouts and an administration official.

The outreach comes as a half-dozen Republican hardliners declared that they will not support Trump’s agenda on the floor, demanding more changes to the bill. Johnson said he is aiming to hold a floor vote later tonight, but he currently doesn’t have the support necessary to pass it.

A major roadblock: A group of those hardliners, including House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris of Maryland, told reporters this morning the White House had agreed overnight to changes to Medicaid and to roll back certain clean energy programs — provisions they had pushed for.

But they said they’re still seeking specific details, which they declined to name.

Republican Rep. Chip Roy, a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus who has said he won’t vote for the bill, said the meeting with Trump would happen today. Trump will meet directly with them at 3 p.m. ET, a White House official said.

That official told CNN that previous talks with the House Freedom Caucus have not yet yielded progress.

“There was no deal. The White House presented HFC with policy options that the Administration can live with, provided they can get the votes, but they cannot get the votes,” the official said. “There was no deal. The HFC will meet with the President at 3pm to hopefully strike one.”

Johnson has insisted the bill needs to pass this week ahead of the House’s Memorial Day recess.

 

Victorians promised no new or raised taxes in tomorrow's state budget

Victorians are being promised no new or higher taxes in tomorrow's state budget, with the treasurer keen to avoid more backlash as fury continues over fire services changes.

Health is the one big area the government's been silent on so far.

9News understands there will be an extra $11.1 billion tipped into that department, a record $9.3 billion of it going into hospitals to give them certainty to plan for the future.

It's the latest of the frontline services to be promised a huge boost.

Other areas of government are on notice though and the axe is going to be swung.

The day before her biggest gig yet, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes was double checking her first budget papers after earlier labelling the job "a lotta hard work".

She joined Premier Jacinta Allan and dozens of young future taxpayers to show off Parkville Station.

Free travel on public transport for children from next year will be a key offering.

Allan promised "meaningful cost of living support, real help, right now".

She also revealed ahead of time a slim surplus: originally forecast to be $1.5 billion, it's now just $600 million.

That's deliberate, says the treasurer.

"We could of elected to have a bigger surplus but what we chose to do is back Victorians," Symes said.

Shadow treasurer James Newbury told Victorians not to "listen to the government spin".

"The truth is people are being taxed more and getting less," he said.

There is a promise too of no new or increased taxes besides the fire services changes and congestion levy hikes announced in December.

"There is nothing in the budget that changes the tax settings tomorrow," Symes said.

READ MORE: European Union seeking defence pact with Australia

There's already been a full week of big spending pre-budget announcements.

The one area the government's not so eager to talk about is what exactly they're planning to cut back to save some money.

Blitzing breakfast TV two days early, Allan would only reference "responsible decisions", her treasurer calling them tough decisions.

"Yes there will be less public servants in Victoria," Symes said

How many and how much it will save is unclear.

"I think we've got the balance right," she said.

"Can you please everyone? No you can't."

Syria says Trump committed to supporting the country at "critical juncture"

 

In a landmark diplomatic development, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first such engagement between the two nations in 25 years. The meeting, which also included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (via phone), was hailed by Syria as "historic" and indicative of a potential shift in international relations.

The discussions centered on lifting U.S. sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad's regime and supporting Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts. President Trump announced the complete lifting of these sanctions, a move celebrated in Damascus and seen as a significant economic opportunity for the war-torn nation. 

Key topics included enhancing Syrian-American cooperation in counterterrorism, particularly in eliminating the influence of non-state actors like ISIS. The leaders also addressed the importance of Syria joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel. 

Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, led the rebel alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in a swift offensive that toppled Assad's regime in December 2024. Since then, he has renounced his militant past, dissolved HTS, and pledged to form an inclusive government, aiming to reintegrate Syria into the international community. 

The meeting signifies a potential turning point for Syria after years of civil war and international isolation, with the U.S. emphasizing the significance of aiding Syria's recovery and reintegration into the global economy. 

HOW TO EARN MONEY EASILY FROM ONLINE

 

How to Start Affiliate Marketing in 2025

1. Choose a Niche

Select a specific area of interest or expertise, such as fitness, personal finance, or technology. Focusing on a niche helps you target a specific audience and establish authority. 

2. Build a Platform

Create a blog, YouTube channel, or social media presence to share content related to your niche. Consistent, high-quality content attracts and retains an audience. More info...

3. Join Affiliate Programs

Sign up for affiliate programs that align with your niche. Popular options include:

• Amazon Associates

• Shopify Affiliate Program

• Bluehost Affiliate Program\

•                           click here

These programs provide unique affiliate links and resources to help you promote their products. 

4. Promote Products Strategically

Integrate affiliate links into your content naturally. For example, write product reviews, tutorials, or comparison articles that provide value to your audience while promoting affiliate products. More info...

5. Optimize and Scale

Use analytics tools to track the performance of your affiliate links. Identify which strategies yield the best results and focus on scaling those efforts.

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💰 Earning Potential

Affiliate marketing offers significant earning potential. While beginners may start with modest earnings, consistent effort and strategic promotion can lead to substantial income over time. Some affiliate marketers earn over $1 million annually.More details... 

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📈 Trends in 2025

The affiliate marketing landscape continues to evolve. Key trends include:

• AI and Automation: Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize content and campaigns.

• Micro-Influencers: Brands are increasingly partnering with influencers who have smaller, but highly engaged, audiences.

• Diversified 

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🛠️ Tools and Resources

• Content Management Systems: WordPress, Wix

• Email Marketing: Mailchimp, ConvertKit

• Analytics: Google Analytics, SEMrush

• Affiliate Networks: CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, ClickBank. more details...

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“Trump’s trade conflict with Canada has hurt the U.S. economy, and now he faces a pivotal meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.”

 

“Trump’s trade conflict with Canada has hurt the U.S. economy, and now he faces a pivotal meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.”

In early March 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. While tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods were delayed indefinitely, the remaining tariffs significantly impacted trade relations.

Canada responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, including automobiles, steel, aluminum, and various consumer products. These measures have strained the economies on both sides, with Canadian exports to the U.S. declining and American businesses facing increased costs. 

The trade tensions have also affected tourism and cross-border commerce. Canadian travel to the U.S. dropped significantly, leading to economic downturns in U.S. border towns reliant on Canadian visitors. 

Amid these developments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with President Trump to address the ongoing trade disputes and seek resolutions to the escalating tensions. \

Mexico City: A Living Tapestry of Time

 

Mexico City: A Living Tapestry of Time

Mexico City is a place where centuries converge—a vibrant metropolis layered with the stories of empires, revolutions, and renewal. Its roots stretch deep into the pre-Columbian era, when the Aztecs, guided by prophecy, founded Tenochtitlan in 1325 on a cluster of islands in the shimmering waters of Lake Texcoco. With its majestic temples, bustling markets, and intricate canal system, Tenochtitlan blossomed into the jewel of Mesoamerica—a city of immense power, culture, and innovation.

This grandeur came to a violent end in 1521, when Hernán Cortés, leading Spanish conquistadors and indigenous allies, laid siege to the city. What followed was not just a military conquest, but the fall of a civilization. On the ruins of the Aztec capital, the Spanish built Mexico City, reshaping it with straight streets, grand cathedrals, and palatial government buildings in the European style, yet always with traces of the indigenous past lingering beneath the surface.

As the centuries turned, Mexico City became the beating heart of New Spain, a colonial capital where cultures collided and merged. After Mexico’s independence in 1821, the city emerged as the capital of a new nation—one eager to define its own identity. The 19th and 20th centuries brought waves of industrialization, the expansion of railways and roads, and a surging population that transformed the city into a sprawling urban center.

Today, Mexico City is a place where the ancient and the modern coexist—where skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old churches, and bustling avenues overlay long-buried temples. It remains not only the political and economic core of Mexico, but also its cultural soul—a city that remembers its past even as it shapes the future.

canada is beauty

 

CANADA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

CANADA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

Canada's history, while often associated with the 1867 Confederation, has deep roots stretching back thousands of years with Indigenous peoples. European exploration and settlement, primarily by the French and British, began in the 16th century, leading to a complex interplay of colonial power, trade, and eventual self-governance. The Dominion of Canada was officially formed in 1867, initially as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire, gradually gaining greater autonomy over its external affairs. 

Key Periods and Events in Canadian History:

• Indigenous Peoples:

  Canada has been inhabited by various Indigenous peoples for millennia, each with distinct cultures and territories. 
European Exploration and Settlement:
The 16th century saw the arrival of French and British explorers, followed by the establishment of settlements like New France (later British North America). 
The Fur Trade:
A major economic activity, the fur trade played a significant role in shaping the relationship between Europeans and Indigenous peoples. 
Colonial Rivalry:
France and Great Britain competed for control of North America, leading to wars and treaties, ultimately resulting in British control of most of what is now Canada. 
The Quebec Act (1774):
An act of the British Parliament that extended the boundaries of Quebec and established a government with certain protections for the Catholic population. 
The War of 1812:
A conflict between Great Britain and the United States, which also involved Canada and its relationship with the British Empire. 
Confederation (1867):
The union of three British North American colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada) into the Dominion of Canada. 
The Manitoba and Northwest Territories (1870):
Canada expanded its territory by acquiring the Manitoba territory and the Northwest Territories. 
The British North America Act (1867):
The Act that established the Dominion of Canada, now known as the Constitution Acts, 1867 to 1982. 
The Statute of Westminster (1931):
A British Act of Parliament that granted Canada and other dominions equal status with the United Kingdom, allowing them greater autonomy in foreign affairs. 
Post-War Growth:
Canada experienced significant economic and population growth in the post-World War II era, developing a strong social safety net and cultural identity.