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A new poll reveals that 40% of U.S. voters would be inclined to support a political party launched by Elon Musk.
What Happened: The survey, conducted by Quantus Insights between June 30 and July 2, found that 14% of voters would be &#8220;very likely&#8221; to back a political party initiated by Musk, while 26% said they would be &#8220;somewhat likely.&#8221;
Conversely, 38% of respondents indicated&nbsp;they were not likely to&nbsp;support Musk, and 22% were "unsure."
This development follows Musk&#8217;s claim that he would launch the &#8220;America Party&#8221; in response to President Donald Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which he labeled as "insane." This disagreement led to a public online dispute between the two last month.
The poll&nbsp;also revealed clear divides across&nbsp;party lines and demographics, with&nbsp;male Republicans appearing to be&nbsp;the most interested in a&nbsp;party launched by Musk.&nbsp;Nearly half (47 percent) of&nbsp;independent men said they were&nbsp;likely to support the America&nbsp;Party.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46177116/elon-musk-calls-trumps-megabill-political-suicide-says-it-is-utterly-insane-and-destructive-will-des">Elon Musk Calls Trump&#8217;s Megabill &#8216;Political Suicide,&#8217; Says &#8216;It Is Utterly Insane and Destructive,&#8217; Will &#8216;Destroy Millions of Jobs in America&#8217;</a>
Despite the support, Quantus Insights&nbsp;noted that "skepticism remains high&nbsp;among older and Democratic voters&nbsp;but the signal is clear:&nbsp;a large slice of the&nbsp;electorate is open to something&nbsp;new, something disruptive."
The existing Libertarian Party has also reached out to Musk, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/02/libertarian-chair-asks-elon-musk-to-join-them-00436172">according</a> to Politico, arguing that they already have ballot access across the U.S. Musk has yet to respond.
Why It Matters: The poll results underscore the influence of Musk, who is not only a prominent figure in the tech industry but also increasingly in the political landscape. 
The Tesla CEO&#8217;s hypothetical &#8220;America Party&#8221; has garnered significant attention, reflecting an appetite for political disruption among a sizeable portion of the electorate. However, the poll also highlights the polarizing nature of Musk&#8217;s potential political venture, with clear divides along party lines and demographics. 
The skepticism&nbsp;among older and Democratic voters&nbsp;suggests that while Musk&#8217;s hypothetical party may appeal to a certain demographic, it may face resistance from others. 
This dynamic underscores the complexities and challenges that could arise should Musk decide to venture into the political arena.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42496864/exclusive-eric-trump-calls-elon-musk-albert-einstein-of-our-time-says-tesla-ceo-will-help-build-a-stronger-america">&nbsp;Eric Trump Calls Elon Musk &#8216;Albert Einstein Of Our Time,&#8217; Says Tesla CEO Will Help Build &#8216;A Stronger America&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

News

Politics

TSLA

Elon Musk's Hypothetical 'America Party' Gains Support From 40% of Voters

When a listener wrote in to Suze Orman's "<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/ask-kt-suze-anything-throwing-money-at-a-problem-does-not-always-solve-it">Women &amp; Money</a>" podcast asking whether to keep savings or pay down debt, the answer came fast — and with a dose of financial reality.&nbsp;
The listener, Gloria, believed she was earning 3.75% interest monthly on her $88,000 savings account. Orman was quick to call that out as a misunderstanding — and used it as a teachable moment.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No, You&#8217;re Not Earning 3.75% Monthly</h2>
During the podcast, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46147106/her-daughter-and-boyfriend-asked-to-move-in-suze-orman-told-her-she-should-say-no">Orman</a> responded bluntly: "It is impossible that you are making 3.75% monthly on your $88,000. That would mean that you are being paid 45% a year in interest."
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What Gloria likely meant, Orman explained, was that her account offered a 3.75% annual percentage yield, or APY. That's a key term when it comes to understanding how much your money is actually earning in a savings account.
APY reflects how much interest you'll earn over the course of a full year, factoring in compounding. It's not paid all at once — instead, the interest compounds monthly, quarterly, or even daily, depending on the account. The more often it compounds, the faster your money grows — but 3.75% monthly is not realistic in today's banking world.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let's Talk About That $43K Debt</h2>
Along with the savings account, Gloria mentioned a home equity line of credit she still owed $43,000 on and that she was paying $500 a month in charges.
Orman's response was clear: "You should absolutely take $43,000 out of that savings account and do what with it? Pay off your home equity line of credit."
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
Why? Because even if Gloria's account is earning 3.75% APY, it's unlikely that it's offsetting what she's losing in interest and fees on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/46014776/he-makes-150k-she-makes-63k-so-why-did-they-use-a-heloc-to-pay-off-his-45k-debt-suze-">HELOC</a>. A $500 monthly charge on a $43,000 balance is the equivalent of paying around 14% annually — far more than she's earning by letting that money sit in savings.
Orman emphasized that keeping debt at a high interest rate while earning a lower return on savings is a losing strategy. The money could be working much harder by reducing what she owes.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding Your APY&nbsp; —&nbsp; And Why It Matters</h2>
Many consumers confuse interest rates with APY, or assume "monthly" means they're getting a better deal. But APY is what truly reflects an account's annual earning power. It&#8217;s required by law to be disclosed by banks and credit unions, so if you're unsure what your account is earning, don't guess — check your statement or ask your bank directly.
The national average APY for a savings account is currently around 0.38%, according to the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.</a> However, top high-yield savings accounts and CDs may offer closer to 4.40% APY, depending on the provider.
Still, that's a far cry from the cost of carrying high-interest debt.
See Also: Tired of Grid Failures and Charging Deserts? This Startup Has a Solar Fix and $25M+ in Sales — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Now Raising at $3/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bottom Line</h2>
Orman's advice is rooted in a simple principle: If the interest you&#8217;re paying on debt is significantly higher than what you&#8217;re earning on savings, pay off the debt. Gloria&#8217;s case is a textbook example.
It's easy to get excited about high-yield savings, especially when they offer a low-risk way to earn more on your cash. But as Orman pointed out, knowing the difference between monthly interest and APY can keep your financial expectations — and strategy — grounded in reality.
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Suze Orman Bursts The Bubble On 3.75% 'Monthly' Savings Account — And Tells Listener To Pay Off $43K Debt Immediately

The U.S. Air Force has decided to terminate a project in collaboration with Elon Musk&#8216;s&nbsp;SpaceX. The project was intended&nbsp;to test hypersonic rocket cargo&nbsp;deliveries from a remote Pacific&nbsp;atoll, as reported by a military publication.
What Happened: The decision to discontinue the project was taken in light of concerns raised by experts about the potential harm to seabirds nesting on the Johnston Atoll, the proposed site for the project.
The Air Force had initially intended to conduct an environmental assessment but is now exploring alternative locations for the program, <a href="https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2025-07-02/johnson-atoll-rocket-air-force-18319741.html">reports</a> Stars and Stripes. 
The planned program involved testing rocket re-entry vehicles capable of delivering&nbsp;up to 100 tons of&nbsp;cargo anywhere on Earth within&nbsp;90 minutes. 
Commercial rockets, including those produced by&nbsp;SpaceX, were to be utilized in the program, although no official announcements regarding industry partners were made.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37768437/elon-musks-spacex-is-secretly-building-a-huge-spy-satellite-network-for-the-us-government">Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX Is Secretly Building A Huge Spy Satellite Network For The US Government</a>
The Johnston Atoll, a U.S. territory located approximately&nbsp;800 miles southwest of Hawaii,&nbsp;is&nbsp;a National Wildlife Refuge and&nbsp;home to 14 species of&nbsp;tropical birds. 
A petition urging&nbsp;the Air Force to abandon&nbsp;its plan had collected over 3,800 signatures by Wednesday.
Why It Matters: This is not the first time SpaceX has faced backlash for its environmental impact. 
The company has previously been criticized by conservation groups, with lawsuits filed against the FAA for approving&nbsp;expanded rocket launch operations in&nbsp;South Texas without conducting additional environmental studies. 
The termination of this project underscores the ongoing tension between technological advancement and environmental conservation, a balance that companies like SpaceX will need to navigate moving forward.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk's SpaceX's Hypersonic Rocket Cargo Delivery Project Dropped By US Air Force

A brand's values are becoming central in consumers' shopping decisions, a new <a href="https://www.lightspeedhq.com/news/consumers-embrace-valuespending-intentionality-and-brand-values-now-central-to-purchasing-decisions/">study</a> from Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LSPD#NYSE">LSPD</a>) shows.&nbsp;
The survey, which looked at 2,000 shoppers across the U.S. and Canada, found that 92% of people consider themselves "somewhat intentional" with their purchases. Additionally, 45% of shoppers say that they will be considering a brand's values in future purchasing decisions. Lightspeed is calling this shift towards more mindful and value-centric shopping, "valuespending."
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While price (78%)&nbsp; and quality (67%) still remain the most critical things consumers are considering when making a purchase, an increasing number (62%) say that it&#8217;s important that the brands they are buying from align with their personal values.
"Consumers today are balancing cost with conscience," Lightspeed's founder and CEO Dax Dasilva said in the report. "It's not always about the lowest price—it's about choosing brands that reflect their values. And when those values align, loyalty can follow more easily. This new era of intentional spending—Valuespending—is reshaping retail and pushing businesses to be more transparent and authentic."
For 32% of the people Lightspeed surveyed, considering a company's values is new. The mindset shift is driven by a number of factors, the study found, including the belief that their spending has a larger impact than ever before, social media influence, and the understanding that we live in a more divided world where every dollar can be politicized.
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
So, consumers are putting their personal principles into action. Of the consumers surveyed, 27% said they have made a purchasing decision based on national pride, 18% say they have purchased from a brand because that brand was somehow tied to a charitable cause, 18% have chosen a product because of a brand's sustainability practices, adn 15% have made a purchase because they agree with the CEO's political stances.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it&#8217;s Gen Z that's leading the valuespending charge. A whopping 96% of Gen Z consumers told Lightspeed that they shop intentionally, with 66% saying it's very important to them that purchases align with their personal values.
&#8220;[Gen Z] are the trendsetters. &#8230; They&#8217;ve come into target as the consumer that everybody wants to sell to,&#8221; Dasilva told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/06/26/gen-z-shoppers-social-conscious-responsible-price/84292163007/">USA Today</a>.&nbsp;
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation.&nbsp;</a>
Being a trendsetter doesn't come without its own pressures, however. Some 32% of Gen Z shoppers told Lightspeed that they worry about being judged for purchasing from the wrong brands.&nbsp;
&#8220;There&#8217;s that element of peer pressure that we make statements with the things we purchase or the things we wear,&#8221; Dasilva told USA Today. Valuespending may be changing the way we shop, but it&#8217;s not necessarily simplifying it.
"These insights show us that consumer expectations are evolving," Dasilva said in the Lightspeed report. "From sustainability to social impact, the brands that listen, adapt, and ‘walk the talk' can thrive in this age of Valuespending."
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

LSPD

'Valuespending' Is Changing The Way We Shop, 62% Of Consumers Now Say They Consider A Brand's Values When Purchasing

President Donald Trump signed his massive spending and social policy bill into law during an Independence Day event at the White House on Friday. The new law will provide substantial tax relief for affluent Americans, while also implementing significant reductions to social welfare programs.
What Happened: The legislation extends the 2017 tax cuts from Trump&#8217;s initial term indefinitely, and introduces new tax benefits such as tax-free&nbsp;tips up to $25,000 and&nbsp;a &#8220;senior deduction&#8221; for individuals over 65 to evade Social Security taxes.
Nonetheless, some studies imply that the tax reductions&nbsp;for lower earners may be&nbsp;counterbalanced by new expenses&nbsp;from lost support for healthcare and food assistance.
According to a report <a href="https://thehill.com/business/personal-finance/5384586-trump-bill-tax-cuts-medicaid-snap/">by</a> The Hill, the Tax Policy Center estimates that approximately 85% of households would receive a tax cut in 2026. However, certain provisions, like&nbsp;the new deduction for seniors,&nbsp;are set to expire within&nbsp;a few years. By 2030, only about 70%&nbsp;of households would continue to&nbsp;have a tax break.
The Center also projects that nearly 60%&nbsp;of the tax benefits would&nbsp;go to those in the&nbsp;top quintile of annual incomes,&nbsp;or about $217,000 or more.&nbsp;These&nbsp;households would receive an average&nbsp;tax cut of $12,500.
However, the bill&#8217;s comprehensive&nbsp;cuts to Medicaid and nutrition&nbsp;assistance could counterbalance the&nbsp;benefits low-income Americans might see&nbsp;in tax breaks.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46177116/elon-musk-calls-trumps-megabill-political-suicide-says-it-is-utterly-insane-and-destructive-will-des">Elon Musk Calls Trump&#8217;s Megabill &#8216;Political Suicide,&#8217; Says &#8216;It Is Utterly Insane and Destructive,&#8217; Will &#8216;Destroy Millions of Jobs in America&#8217;</a>
Federal Medicaid spending is estimated&nbsp;to decrease by about $1&nbsp;trillion, resulting in about 12&nbsp;million low-income Americans losing their&nbsp;health insurance by 2034, according&nbsp;to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget&nbsp;Office.
The bill also includes work&nbsp;requirements for Medicaid and for&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits,&nbsp;previously known as food stamps,&nbsp;which could disenroll millions from&nbsp;both programs.
Why It Matters: The bill is a significant piece of legislation that could have far-reaching implications for the American economy and society.
While it promises substantial tax breaks for the wealthy, it also proposes major cuts to social welfare programs that could impact millions of low-income Americans. 
The potential benefits and drawbacks of this bill will likely be a major topic of discussion and debate in the coming weeks and months.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Trump's Megabill Brings Tax Breaks for the Wealthy and Welfare Cuts — Here's How Your Income Taxes Could Change

Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) Chief Executive Elon Musk's controversial stint at President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency ended in May, but debate persists over what he gained or lost, and how it affected his businesses.
Elon Musk's father, Errol Musk, recently told <a href="https://x.com/SkyNews/status/1927840326456168919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1927840326456168919%7Ctwgr%5E8e719785e1bf5a1f15ae066df5103fbf614ab132%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffuturism.com%2Ferrol-musk-elon-politics">Sky News</a> that he warned his son against taking part in politics, given both his nature and the realities of political life.
"He's a very straightforward person," the senior Musk said. "He's not terribly complicated at all. He's not a very good conversationalist. He's not a very good politician at all."
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Errol, who often publicly criticizes his billionaire son, said that politics has no boundaries and called it the "deepest pool of human endeavor."
"As I explained to him as well, that politics is a swimming pool that hasn&#8217;t got a bottom, it hasn&#8217;t got sides. No matter which way you go, you are never gonna get to the edge," Errol added.
The two Musks have a strained relationship. In 2017, during an <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/elon-musk-the-architect-of-tomorrow-120850/">interview</a> with Rolling Stone, Elon called his father a &#8216;terrible human being.&#8217;
"My dad will have a carefully thought-out plan of evil. He will plan evil," he said at the time.&nbsp;
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation.&nbsp;</a>
Earlier this year, Errol <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/style/elon-musk-father-errol-comments.html#:~:text=On%20a%20recent%20episode%20of,five%20sons%20all%20brought%20up.">criticized</a> Elon's parenting during the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gagYfbwVXFU">Wide Awake</a>" podcast, saying he "hasn't been a good dad."
"He hasn't got the gift of the gab and apart from that, he likes the idea that everyone who works for him must be an A student," Errol said. "And of course, when you work in government you can&#8217;t have that."
Tesla shares are down 14% so far this year as the company's EV deliveries continue to plunge globally. In May, Tesla sales <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/teslas-german-car-sales-continue-decline-may-2025-06-04/">fell</a> for the fifth consecutive month in Britain, Germany, and Italy.
Wells Fargo recently <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/wells-fargo-says-tesla-shares-to-drop-60percent-as-sales-slump-.html?taid=68484d55c5f45e0001b957d3&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_content=main&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">said</a> in a note that Tesla shares could drop 60% amid weak deliveries and rising competition. Analyst Colin Langan said Tesla's global deliveries in May fell 23% year over year and added that the company's potential tailwinds, such as autonomous driving, are not likely to offset its delivery declines.
"Most investor attention is directed at the June 12th Austin Robotaxi deployment. We doubt the likely limited debut will be enough to overshadow the poor fundamentals," Langan said. He has a $120 price target for the stock.
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Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk's Father Says He Warned His Son Against Going Into Politics – 'He's Not a Very Good Politician At All'

Elon Musk&nbsp;has once again demanded the release of the unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files. This comes in the wake of his allegations against President Donald Trump.
What Happened: Musk&#8217;s renewed call for transparency comes in the aftermath of his accusations that Trump&#8217;s name features in the Epstein files. His demand was a response to MAGA activist Scott Presler&#8216;s call on X to &#8220;Release the unredacted Epstein files.&#8221;
Musk&#8217;s demand was made just hours before the House was set to vote on Trump&#8217;s tax bill earlier this week. Musk has expressed concerns that the bill could lead to &#8220;debt slavery&#8221; in the U.S. This follows a disagreement between Musk and Trump last month over the president&#8217;s &#8220;pork-filled&#8221; signature megabill.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Yes
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1940723866336387438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Despite facing criticism for releasing Epstein files that contained already public information, Musk maintains that the &#8220;real reason&#8221; the documents remain sealed is due to Trump&#8217;s alleged involvement in Epstein&#8217;s crimes.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43077007/jeffrey-epstein-allegedly-offered-plea-deal-in-exchange-for-trump-info-if-i-can-give-them-something-on-trump-to-get-him-impeached">Jeffrey Epstein Allegedly Offered Plea Deal In Exchange For Trump Info: &#8216;If I Can Give Them Something On Trump To Get Him Impeached&#8217;</a>
Trump, who was friends with Epstein for decades before their relationship soured, has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein&#8217;s abuse. Despite this, Musk continues to assert that &#8220;The truth will come out.&#8221;
Earlier this week, Trump reignited&nbsp;his feud with Musk, threatening&nbsp;to involve&nbsp;the Department of Government Efficiency&nbsp;against him and suggesting Musk may have to &#8220;go back to South Africa.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s renewed call&nbsp;for the release of the&nbsp;Epstein files underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability. 
His allegations against Trump, if proven, could have significant political implications. 
Furthermore, the ongoing feud between Musk and Trump could potentially impact future legislation and regulatory decisions affecting Musk&#8217;s businesses, including Tesla Inc.
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Image: Shutterstock/Copyright Lawrey

Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them

President Donald Trump reportedly allowed Iranian leaders to launch a retaliatory attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar in response to the U.S.&nbsp;bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.
What Happened:&nbsp;Trump disclosed this information during&nbsp;a rally in Des Moines,&nbsp;Iowa. He shared that Iran had communicated their plan to &#8220;take 14 shots&#8221; at a U.S. base as a counteraction to the U.S.&#8217;s bombing of their nuclear facilities. Trump&#8217;s response was, &#8220;Go ahead, I understand.&#8221;
According to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbDzyzYnBVk">a</a> Fox News report, Trump said, "You know, they called me to tell me they have to take a shot at us. This was Iran, very respectful. That means they respect us. Because we dropped 14 bombs, they said we'd like to take 14 shots at you. I said, ‘Go ahead, I understand.'&#8221;
Trump said that the Iranians had detailed the location of the attack, the military base in Qatar, and even requested a suitable time for the attack. The base was subsequently evacuated, leaving only four gunners who successfully intercepted all 14 missiles.
&#8220;They said where they'd do it. I said good. We emptied out the fort, it was a beautiful military base in Qatar, who treated us really fantastically well, and they said, &#8216;Sir, 1 o'clock okay?&#8217; I said it was fine, we could make it later, and we had nobody but four gunners. We had four. They call them gunners and they shoot the Patriots, they shoot the missiles up, it's hard to believe,&#8221; Trump further added.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940864/trump-threatens-iran-with-unprecedented-us-military-action-in-case-of-attack-if-we-are-attacked-in-any-way-us-armed-forces-will-come-down-on-you-at-levels-never-seen-before">Trump Threatens Iran With Unprecedented US Military Action In Case Of Attack: &#8216;If We Are Attacked In Any Way, US Armed Forces Will Come Down On You At Levels Never Seen Before&#8217;</a>
After the Iranian missile attack, Trump expressed gratitude for Iran&#8217;s &#8220;very weak response&#8221; and reported no American casualties or significant damage. He thanked Iran for the early notice, which he claimed prevented any loss of life or injuries.
In a Truth Social <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114734424268466099">post</a>, Trump said, "I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s admission received some criticism. Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo <a href="https://talkingpointsmemo.com/morning-memo/trump-says-he-gave-iran-permission-to-bomb-u-s-base-in-qatar-andwell-mostly-crickets">wrote</a>, &#8220;Wouldn't that represent the most shocking dereliction of duty one could imagine for the commander-in-chief?&#8221; He added, &#8220;What would have happened if a Democratic president, particularly one named Joe Biden, had said he let a foreign adversary fire on an American military installation?&#8221;
Why It Matters: This incident marks a significant shift in the U.S.-Iran relations, as it shows a level of communication and understanding between the two nations that has been absent in recent years. 
Trump&#8217;s decision to allow the retaliation, and his subsequent appreciation of Iran&#8217;s &#8220;weak response&#8221;, could be seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions in the region. 
His call for peace and harmony, and urging Israel to follow suit, further underscores this intent.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Trump Reportedly Told Iran It Was OK To Strike Back After US Attack: 'I Said, 'Go Ahead, I Understand''

A new wave of AI-driven consumer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45772125/90-of-startups-fail-heres-whats-going-wrong">startups</a> is gaining traction among investors in 2025, with many of these platforms blending artificial intelligence with real-world interaction to reshape how people connect, discover, and build communities, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-startups-watch-social-dating-ai-according-to-vc-investors-2025-6">Business Insider</a> reports.
Vanessa Larco, former New Enterprise Associates partner and founder of the venture firm Premise, told Business Insider, "We're on the brink of another big consumer wave" as interest returns to early-stage consumer tech startups.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meet the Game-Changing Startups Using AI to Reshape Human Connection</h2>
The following 12 companies were identified by venture capitalists as emerging leaders across dating, social networking, faith, fashion, and in-person experience, with several being backed by top firms including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45618210/y-combinator-startup-firecrawl-offers-1m-for-ai-agents-that-blog-code-and-do-customer-support-without-sleeping">Y Combinator</a> and Thrive Capital.
1. Sitch
This AI matchmaking app uses a chatbot trained by human matchmakers to suggest five setups per week, with tiers from $90 to $160, Business Insider reports. Larco, through Premise, has invested in the company as an angel investor.
2. Margins
Margins is a social reading platform designed for the BookTok generation. Since launching in December, the app has grown to approximately 130,000 users. According to Business Insider, the startup has drawn interest from investors including Rhian Horton at Stellation Capital, though the firm has not backed the company to date.
3. Tolan
Tolan is an AI companion platform designed to simulate conversation and connection. The startup is among those being closely watched by Larco, though she has not invested in the company, Business Insider says.
4. Swsh
Swsh is a Gen Z-focused photo-sharing platform designed for live events like Rolling Loud and Electric Daisy Carnival Vegas. According to its<a href="https://www.joinswsh.com/"> website</a>, Swsh uses AI to help users surface photos and videos from shared albums and includes group chat features for real-time connection.
Trending: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today</a>
5. Doji
Virtual try-on for fashion, Doji uses AI to generate avatars showing designer clothes and raised $14 million in a Thrive Capital-led seed round, according to Business Insider.
6. Bible Chat
An AI chatbot trained on the Bible, Bible Chat has 25 million users and $16 million in funding, Business Insider says. The company's funding reflects growing investor interest in spiritual AI platforms.
7. Series
This Yale-founded professional networking app employs AI agents to connect early-career users. According to Business Insider, it has strong early-stage capital behind it, fueling interest from investors drawn to AI-driven professional tools.
8. Beli
A real-world dining tracker, Beli gamifies restaurant visits with friend ranking in 30,000 cities and over 65 million ratings. The startup has raised $12 million in funding and highlights how AI and real-world interaction are fueling investor interest, Business Insider says.
9. Lore
A fandom-centric AI platform, Lore is still in beta but has caught VC attention for its focus on niche communities, according to Business Insider.
10. Status
Status is an AI-powered social platform that lets users interact with fictional characters designed to simulate social media experiences. The app was launched by a team that went through Y Combinator in 2022 and has attracted over 2.5 million users to date. Investors including FirstMark's Derek Chu and Patron's Amber Atherton named Status as a startup to watch, though neither firm has backed the company, Business Insider says.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation.&nbsp;</a>
11. Spillt
Called "Goodreads for recipes," Spillt lets users clip and share recipes and has collected over 400,000 items. Business Insider says that by combining social discovery and cooking, Spillt shows how niche apps build truly engaged communities.
12. Gigi
Marketed as "the AI who knows everyone," Gigi connects users via personalized AI matchmaking. Gigi is co-founded by Clara Gold and backed by Intuition VC angel Hugo Amsellem, according to Business Insider.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Signals Point to a New Era for Consumer Tech</h2>
Artificial intelligence continues to shape the investment landscape in consumer startups. Paul Warren, CEO of Margins, told Business Insider that there have been "no real crazy big raises… unless it is a really strong gen AI angle." That shift in funding strategy is driving the rise of startups that combine AI with specific, high-engagement use cases.
General platforms are losing ground to niche communities, Business Insider says. According to Warren, users are turning toward "much smaller things, cozier things, much more niche-oriented things."
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

12 Next-Gen AI And Social Startups Backed By Thrive Capital And Y Combinator Shaping 2025: 'We're On The Brink Of Another Big Consumer Wave'

President Donald Trump faced criticism from Jewish leaders and lawmakers on Friday after using a term historically associated with antisemitic stereotypes during a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46263734/trump-says-we-pretty-much-have-a-deal-as-he-reveals-us-will-resume-tiktok-deal-talks-with-china-soon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rally in Iowa the night before</a>.
While speaking about estate taxes, Trump referred to lenders as &#8220;Shylocks and bad people,&#8221; a comment that drew swift backlash, The New York Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/04/us/politics/jewish-trump-shylock-slur-adl.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
When questioned about the remark afterward, the president claimed he was unaware that the word carried antisemitic connotations.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="http://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46263553/social-security-administration-sends-unbelievable-email-on-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Security Administration Sends &#8216;Unbelievable&#8217; Email On Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Big, Beautiful Bill&#8217;: Report</a>
The term &#8220;Shylock&#8221; originates from Shakespeare&#8217;s &#8220;The Merchant of Venice&#8221; and has long been condemned for promoting damaging Jewish stereotypes, the Times adds.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) took to social media to call out the president&#8217;s language, labeling it &#8220;blatant and vile antisemitism&#8221; and accusing Trump of intentional provocation.
Goldman emphasized that genuine opposition to antisemitism requires denouncing it across the political spectrum.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) called the term &#8220;one of the most recognizable antisemitic slurs in the English language.&#8221;
He said that the comment demonstrated how antisemitism within Trump&#8217;s administration is systemic, not isolated, and pointed directly to the president as the source.
The Anti-Defamation League condemned the remark as well, stating that invoking &#8220;Shylock&#8221; reinforces age-old prejudices linking Jewish identity to greed. The organization called the language &#8220;extremely offensive and dangerous,&#8221; The Times adds.
Trump, who has previously stated that combating antisemitism is a priority of his administration, has taken steps like pulling federal funding from universities over alleged antisemitic activity and revoking visas for demonstrators supporting Palestinian causes.
Still, critics argue that his pattern of rhetoric undermines those efforts.
Parallels were drawn to a 2014 incident when then-Vice President Joe Biden apologized for using the same slur during a speech, the report reads.
Biden&#8217;s prompt acknowledgment of the mistake stood in contrast to Trump&#8217;s claim of ignorance.
Public scrutiny continues to grow over the administration&#8217;s language and actions as Jewish organizations and lawmakers call for more consistent accountability.
Trump&#8217;s comment has reignited debate over the boundaries between free expression and the propagation of harmful stereotypes.
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Markets

General

Trump Hit With Backlash Over Use of Antisemitic Slur at Iowa Rally

A caller to &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otAjwRukr_Y">The Ramsey Show</a>&#8221; recently shared a hard lesson learned about gambling and debt with hosts George Kamel and Jade Warshaw. Her decision to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45523239/graham-stephan-explains-why-auto-loans-are-the-biggest-scam-in-america-its-scary">skip car payments</a> and try her luck at the casino backfired in a big way, resulting in a repossession and a remaining debt of over $19,000.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">She Tried To Flip Car Payments Into Gambling Winnings</h2>
&#8220;Instead of making my payments, I was thinking I can go to the casino and double it to make payments and things like that,&#8221; the caller said. But it didn't work out. The car was repossessed and later sold for about $3,500, leaving her responsible for the large remaining balance on the loan.
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Adding to the confusion, she began receiving toll road bills tied to the vehicle even after it was sold. &#8220;I did reach out to toll road. They did get confirmation that the car was sold,&#8221; she explained, noting she never received advance notice of the sale.
The woman, who is in Dave Ramsey's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39316291/dave-ramsey-tells-americans-if-you-retire-broke-its-your-fault-explains-how-to-retire-with-1-mil">Baby Step 1 with $1,000 saved</a>, said the gambling addiction played a central role in the situation. She&#8217;s taken steps to address it, including cutting off online ads and distractions, but admitted, she hasn&#8217;t been to Gamblers Anonymous.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">George And Jade Urged A Settlement Approach</h2>
Kamel emphasized that fixing the financial issue won't matter if the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44113652/sports-betting-isnt-just-a-little-hobby-says-dave-ramsey-he-believes-its-an-addiction-thats-ruining-families-the-house-always-wins">gambling problem</a> isn't resolved: &#8220;I just want to make sure that we&#8217;ve resolved the root problem here before we just fix the repo.&#8221;
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When asked how much she owed in total debt, she replied, &#8220;That's all I have for now.&#8221; Her income is $4,000 a month, and her only major monthly expense is $1,300 for rent, which includes utilities. With minimal transportation costs and no dependents, she believes she can save up enough to offer a lump-sum settlement.
Kamel recommended that she negotiate a payoff amount, such as $7,000, and get the terms in writing. &#8220;This is everything I have. Would you be willing to settle in full for this amount?&#8221; he suggested she say when reaching out to the lender.
He also warned, &#8220;Don&#8217;t give them access to your checking account. Get it all in writing, and instead do like a cashier&#8217;s check or a money order.&#8221;
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Warshaw reminded her to make sure the debt is officially marked as paid in full in writing to avoid future issues. If successful, this would leave her completely debt-free.
&#8220;I figured I can do it,&#8221; the caller said, adding that with her children now adults, she doesn't have the same financial responsibilities she once did.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emotional And Financial Toll</h2>
While the financial loss is steep, Kamel and Warshaw pointed out the emotional cost as well. &#8220;It's heartbreaking to watch,&#8221; Kamel said of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45545468/average-new-car-loan-payment-is-750-and-costs-are-rising-suze-orman-urges-families-to-consider-if-they-could-get-by-with-one-less-car">car repossession</a> videos. &#8220;I feel like the emotional toll on that is just as painful as the financial toll,&#8221; Warshaw added.
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

A Dave Ramsey Caller Skipped Her Car Payments To Gamble And Double The Money. The Plan Failed, And Now She's $19,000 In Debt With No Car

In the latest development in their ongoing feud, Elon Musk and Steve Bannon have each predicted severe legal repercussions for the other.
What Happened: Bannon has suggested that Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen, should be deported.
During the war of words on X, Musk, in turn, predicted that Bannon — who previously served a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress — could face a longer prison term.
Bannon has expressed criticism of Musk&#8217;s plans to establish a new political party. He questioned the legitimacy of a &#8220;non-American&#8221; starting an America Party and suggested that Musk, who was born in South Africa, &#8220;may be here illegally.&#8221;
Musk responded by predicting that Bannon would return to prison for a long time, stating, &#8220;He&nbsp;has a lifetime of crime&nbsp;to pay for.&#8221; He did not specify the crimes that could potentially land Bannon back in prison.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The fat, drunken slob called Bannon will go back to prison and this time for a long time. He has a lifetime of crime to pay for.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1941211464683123048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
During the 2024 election cycle, Musk reportedly spent approximately $291 million, notably to support Trump, according to OpenSecrets.org. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Prison for Bannon
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1941404131186573727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
However, the two had a falling out over President Donald Trump's signature "big beautiful bill." Musk had stated that he would form his new party as an alternative to both Republicans and Democrats if the bill passed, which it did.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42935180/steve-bannon-targets-elon-musk-pledges-to-expel-him-from-maga-movement-he-is-a-truly-evil-guy">Steve Bannon Targets Elon Musk, Pledges To Expel Him From MAGA Movement: &#8216;He Is a Truly Evil Guy&#8217;</a>
Bannon, who headed Trump's 2016 campaign and served as chief strategist early in Trump's first administration, was pardoned by Trump in 2021 in a fraud case.
Despite this, Musk&nbsp;implied that more legal trouble&nbsp;may be heading Bannon's way.
Why It Matters: This feud between Musk and Bannon, two influential figures in their respective fields, has the potential to impact their future endeavors. 
Musk&#8217;s plans for a new political party could be affected by Bannon&#8217;s accusations, while Bannon&#8217;s legal future could be influenced by Musk&#8217;s predictions. 
The feud also highlights the ongoing tensions within the political landscape, reflecting the broader divisions within American society.
Read Next
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Musk Says Steve Bannon Will 'Go to Prison for a Long Time' After Deportation Jab: 'He Has Lifetime of Crime To Pay For'

During a segment of "The Ramsey Show," the personal finance expert, Dave Ramsey, explained why real estate can outperform stocks in terms of returns, if investors are willing to deal with the added time, complexity and risk involved.
What Happened: On the show, a caller named Jason from Oklahoma asked Ramsey whether investing in real estate offers better value than the stock market, especially in the then-current economic environment where stock prices seem disconnected from company earnings.
"It just seems like the price of a lot of stocks is completely irrelevant to the company's earnings," the caller said. "If I buy a rental property, for example, it actually generates cash, whereas the only value you get from a stock is when you sell it."
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45485070/the-stock-market-is-shooting-through-the-roof-says-dave-ramsey-but-claims-the-medias-silent-they-want-you-addicted-to-fear">&#8216;The Stock Market Is Shooting Through The Roof,&#8217; Says Dave Ramsey. But Claims The Media&#8217;s Silent—&#8217;They Want You Addicted To Fear&#8217;</a>
Ramsey acknowledged that well-managed real estate investments often yield higher internal rates of return (IRR), thanks to three income streams: appreciation, rental cash flow and tax benefits like depreciation.
However, he warned that higher returns don't come free. "It involves more hassle, more of your time—even if you hire a management company," he said.
He went on to note that real estate outperforms "mainly because it's an imperfect market," where buyers and sellers often don't have the same information, making it easier to find undervalued deals.
Ramsey contrasted this with the stock market, which he described as a more efficient and passive investment vehicle, especially when using mutual funds. "You have zero hassle factor … buying a mutual fund and throwing it in the drawer and forget it," he said.
Responding to the caller's concern that the stock market feels like a "casino," Ramsey pushed back, saying, "No, it's not a casino. A casino is a game of chance. With stocks, you can analyze growth, profit margins, management and trends."
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Real Estate vs. Stock Market - Which One Will Make Me More Money?" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9QbwphRMZnA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Why It's Important: In January earlier this year, during a podcast, Ramsey predicted a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/01/43108825/im-afraid-in-a-good-way-dave-ramsey-bullish-on-2025-real-estate-says-its-going-to-be-a-booming-market-created-by-pent-up-demand">"booming" real estate market</a> in 2025 due to pent-up demand after a sluggish period. However, despite his optimistic views, Ramsey cautioned that 2025 might not be the best time to buy, as overheated markets could lead to overpaying.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ramsey currently has a net worth of $200 million. Of his $200 million net worth, $150 million comes from his real estate holdings.
Born in 1960 in Tennessee to real estate developer parents, Ramsey started selling property while studying finance and real estate at the University of Tennessee. By 1986, he had built a $4 million real estate portfolio but filed for bankruptcy in 1988 after new banking regulations led to his loans being recalled.
He began giving financial advice through his church. In 1992, Ramsey became a radio host, eventually creating "The Dave Ramsey Show" (now "The Ramsey Show").
Photo Courtesy: II.studio on Shutterstock.com
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45171326/wealth-isnt-built-by-chasing-trends-or-reacting-to-headlines-dave-ramsey-says-he-doesnt-panic-when-the-stock-market-dips">&#8216;Wealth Isn&#8217;t Built By Chasing Trends Or Reacting To Headlines&#8217;—Dave Ramsey Says He Doesn&#8217;t &#8216;Panic When The Stock Market Dips&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tech

Dave Ramsey Says Real Estate Can Outperform Stocks, But Warned That Higer Returns 'Don't Come Free'

Legendary investor Warren Buffett has been fascinated with the stock market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/08/40652464/warren-buffett-celebrates-94th-birthday-with-1-trillion-market-cap-milestone-a-look-back-at-hig">from a young age</a>, which could be one of the reasons why he's so good at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/01/42832123/warren-buffett-beats-sp-500-in-2024-how-oracle-of-omahas-returns-compare-over-past-20-years">outperforming the market </a>and other investors.
 What Happened:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) CEO&nbsp;bought three shares of Cities Service preferred at the&nbsp;age of 11.
The legendary investor told&nbsp;Charlie Rose&nbsp;in an April 2022<a href="https://charlierose.com/videos/31221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;interview</a>&nbsp;that he spent every penny he had&nbsp;saved on&nbsp;the investment, which&nbsp;came after researching American companies.
"I knew more when I was 11 than I know now," Buffett said, laughing.
Despite being 92&nbsp;years old, Buffett recalls perfectly that he spent $114.75 on March 11, 1942, for the transaction.
Buffett later read "The Intelligent Investor" by&nbsp;Benjamin Graham&nbsp;and said it changed his thoughts on investing. Buffett from that point forward stopped buying stocks and instead bought companies. The investor has a 10-to-20-year long-term outlook on purchases.
Surprisingly enough, Buffett told Rose he hopes that stocks he buys go down in the short term, so he can buy more.
You may not be a billionaire like Warren Buffett, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
What's Next:&nbsp;As the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett says he has the most interesting job in the world. He told listeners that choosing what you do and who you work with are important.
He reflected on meeting his investing partner, Charlie Munger, in May 1959. "We've never had an argument," Buffett said of the late Berkshire vice chairman.
Buffett added that while many think this&nbsp;is impossible, it's true. The duo supported each other whether they agreed with a decision&nbsp;or not, he said.&nbsp;
Buffett doesn't plan on moving on from Berkshire Hathaway anytime soon and said there is a successor planned, but they're not warming up yet.
Buffett gets up each morning a few minutes before 7 a.m. CT so he can catch the news and turn on CNBC.
The legendary investor said he looks at what prices are doing, including in Europe and Japan, before the market opens at 8:30 a.m. Omaha, Nebraska time.
"Time is the most precious thing you've got."
Buffett said you can always look back and say you could have done better, but he has no regrets. Buffett praises being born in the United States and all the great opportunities he's had in his life.
"It's given me everything," he acknowledged.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/05/45602754/warren-buffett-investment-success-3-simple-rules-to-copy-oracle-of-omaha">Warren Buffett Investment Success: 3 Simple Rules To Copy Oracle Of Omaha</a></li>
</ul>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
Photo: Shutterstock

Education

Why Warren Buffett Says Stocks Aren't What He's Really Buying

As the feud between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump heats up, the Trump administration announced it will provide funding for NASA's Artemis Program to the moon, as well as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/07/46241328/elon-musk-calls-for-retiring-international-space-station-after-trumps-tax-bill-allocates-over-1-25-billion-to-it-its-time-to-focus-on-mars">allocate $1.25 billion</a> to the International Space Station.
The announcements could come as a blow to the billionaire's Mars ambitions, which Musk has been a vocal advocate for. He has shared his desire to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/05/45480331/elon-musk-says-earth-only-has-10-of-its-life-left-before-its-incinerated-by-the-sun-calls-colonizing-mars-humanitys-life-insurance-polic">colonize the Red Planet</a> on several occasions and SpaceX's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46135182/elon-musks-spacex-says-starship-debris-recovery-hindered-by-trespassing-unauthorized-parties-seeks-help-from-mexican-authorities">Starship rocket</a> is at the forefront of his plans.
However, amid the uncertainty, an old video has resurfaced on social media where Musk had said that he was in talks with Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise about possibly making a "Mission: Impossible" movie in space.
Making the Impossible Possible
The billionaire shared the information when asked by a reporter about what celebrity he would want to take to space. "Tom Cruise has said he wants to do Mission: Impossible in space," Musk said.
When asked if there were any concrete plans, Musk said that the pair had had discussions, but he wasn't sure "where his [Cruise] mind's at."
Musk then shared how SpaceX's Starship rocket was designed to be able to "build a permanent Moon base" as well as "a city on Mars." However, the road to Mars may not be as simple as it looks.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Tom Cruise and Elon Musk had discussions about making &quot;Mission Impossible&quot; films in Space, using SpaceX facilities. <a href="https://t.co/bLkWERaPd2">pic.twitter.com/bLkWERaPd2</a>
&mdash; SMX &#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@iam_smx) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_smx/status/1940733109328364015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Musk vs Trump and its fallout
While SpaceX regularly collaborates with NASA and recently sent its Dragon rocket to the International Space Station as part of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46090664/india-may-have-been-to-mars-and-moon-but-an-indian-hasnt-been-in-space-for-41-years-elon-musk-just-changed-that">the Ax-4 mission</a>, Musk has encountered some troubles in helping his Mars plans to take flight.
It began following a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/45805173/musk-vs-trump-tesla-suffers-record-152b-one-day-crash-as-ceo-warns-tariffs-will-cause-a-recession">public falling-out</a> between Musk and Trump over the latter's tax bill. Musk had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/45808621/after-threatening-to-scrap-dragon-spacecraft-amid-tussle-with-trump-musk-backs-down-following-social-media-plea-good-advice">threatened to withdraw</a> and decommission the Dragon spacecraft, which is a crucial element in NASA's space program. Musk later withdrew his threat.
Shortly after, Trump's initial pick for the NASA administrator role, Jared Isaacman, was removed from his position. Trump said that he had removed Isaacman due to his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis/25/06/45715861/donald-trump-withdraws-jared-isaacmans-nomination-for-nasa-administrator-says-new-nominee-would-put-america-first-in-space">‘prior political associations</a>' as Isaacman had reportedly donated funds to a Democratic candidate from the Democrats in the past.
This proved to be a blow for Musk as Isaacman shared the billionaire's ambition for Mars. He had told the U.S. Senate that "We will prioritize sending American astronauts to Mars."
The road ahead
While it may seem like Musk's Mars ambitions are going ahead full steam, things could not be as simple as they seem. With his troubles with Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46259057/ross-gerber-gary-black-weigh-in-on-tesla-cybertrucks-poor-sales-a-very-sad-result">sales dwindle</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46067027/tesla-robotaxi-faces-nhtsa-scrutiny-over-traffic-violations-during-austin-launch">Robotaxi facing scrutiny</a> from the NHTSA, Musk's plate could be full right now with his earthly commitments.
As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46252278/after-trump-warns-elon-musk-to-close-up-shop-china-rallies-behind-worlds-richest-man-theres-no-need">tensions rise between Musk and Trump</a>, with the two having exchanged more jibes at each other publicly, it looks like Musk's plans to put humanity on Martian soil could be delayed.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

SPACE

Elon Musk And Tom Cruise Once Planned On Making A Movie In Space Using SpaceX Rockets

Each week, Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">EXCLUSIVE: June&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do CoreWeave, Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>
Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending July 4:
US Foods Holding Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USFD#NYSE">USFD</a>): The food service distributor saw increased interest from readers during the shortened holiday week. JPMorgan maintained a Neutral rating on the stock while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USFD/analyst-ratings">raising the price target </a>from $82 to $85. US Foods shares trade near all time highs with momentum coming from the earnings report <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45297979/whats-going-on-with-us-foods-stock-on-thursday">back in May.</a> The company missed Street estimates for earnings per share and revenue, while reporting a 4.5% year-over-year sales increase and increased gross profits and total case volume. The company's net income was up 40% year-over-year in the first quarter. After a strong quarterly report and a June defense agency contract award win, the company could be one to watch.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="497" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972632" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486-768x382.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FNV#NYSE">FNV</a>): Interest has been rising in gold and precious metals stocks in recent weeks. This week's Stock Whisper Index sees a precious metals company make it, but one of a different nature. Unlike past stocks that mine the metals that have made the list, Franco-Nevada is a gold-focused royalty and streaming company. The company does not operate mines or conduct exploration, instead owning a portfolio of royalties and streams. Franco-Nevada has a history of increasing its dividend and could be viewed as a safer bet in the sector than some of the other companies. UBS maintained a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FNV/analyst-ratings">raised the price target</a> from $205 to $210.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="496" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972633" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487-768x382.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Johnson Controls International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JCI#NYSE">JCI</a>): The commercial HVAC and building management company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes with analysts increasing their price target on the stock in recent months. Johnson Controls shares recently hit new all time highs with the stock up 35% year-to-date in 2025. Investors could be getting ready for upcoming third-quarter financial results, which are expected in late July. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share and revenue in two straight quarters. The strong recent earnings momentum along with an increased share buyback plan could see shares continue to take out new highs.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972634" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>): One of the largest defense contractors, Northrop Grumman saw increased interest from readers during the week with tensions in the Middle East<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46045651/northrop-grumman-jumps-5-overnight-as-b-2-bombers-return-to-missouri-after-36-hour-iran-strike-trump-says-job-well-done"> remaining heightened.</a> The company manufactures the B2 bomber and is involved in several other top defense weapons used. Investors are likely anticipating the company's second-quarter financial results later this month with analysts forecasting earnings per share to grow to $6.70 and revenue to decline to $10.11 billion. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters and for revenue in seven of the last 10 quarters. Northrop Grumman could be a winner if tension escalates in the Middle East and potentially thanks to increased defense spending by the US and other nations.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="503" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972635" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>): The biotech best known for its work on HIV and Hepatitis drugs recently<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/fda/25/06/46023093/fda-approves-gileads-game-changing-twice-yearly-shot-to-prevent-hiv-transmission-critics-slam-28k-price-tag"> received FDA approval</a> for Yeztugo, the first and only twice-yearly option in the US for pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the risk of HIV in adults. While the company received approval there are questions over how much the drug will be priced at with Gilead working with insurers to increase coverage options. High pricing of the drug could cause pushback against the company, while also helping boost revenue and earnings. Gilead is set to report quarterly financial results in August and could provide an update on the drug. The company has beaten analyst estimates in five straight quarters and beaten analyst revenue estimates in nine of the last 10 quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="494" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972636" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490-300x148.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490-768x379.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45827517/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 6</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 13</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 20</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">June 27</a></li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
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Long Ideas

Exclusives

Trading Ideas

GILD

USFD

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
Markets closed out a holiday‑shortened week with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reaching fresh record highs. The rally was powered by unexpectedly strong job growth, robust factory orders, and a surprise U.S.-Vietnam trade deal that lifted sentiment.
Under the Vietnam deal, the U.S. will impose a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and 40% on transshipped goods, while offering U.S. companies tariff‑free access to Vietnam's domestic market — a strategic win ahead of the July 9 tariff deadline.
With June payrolls beating forecasts (+147,000 jobs, unemployment at 4.1%) and industrial orders surging, markets concluded the week on a confident note. Still, rate‑cut odds dropped sharply as the job strength reduced the case for a July Fed cut.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46236303/datadog-stock-surges-on-sp-500-inclusion">"Datadog stock surges on S&amp;P 500 inclusion"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Datadog Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) jumped more than 9% after being named to replace Juniper Networks in the S&amp;P 500, a move expected to trigger increased institutional buying and index-tracking fund inflows.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46250801/sharplink-gaming-sbet-stock-is-trending-today-whats-going-on">"SharpLink Gaming stock is trending today: what's going on?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that SharpLink Gaming Inc. (NASDAQ: SBET) shares rose about 6% mid‑day on Thursday after the company highlighted its Ethereum treasury strategy — staking its ETH reserves into protocols, earning 102 ETH in late June, and announcing it will ring the Nasdaq closing bell in celebration of the move.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46204827/stock-of-the-day-bank-of-america-breaks-out">"Stock of the Day: Bank of America breaks out"</a>, by Mark Putrino, reports that Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) appears to have broken through a key resistance level — suggesting rising demand may be propelling the stock into a sustained upward trend.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/07/46210595/650-later-rocket-lab-ceo-isnt-one-bit-worried">650% Later, Rocket Lab CEO Isn't One Bit Worried</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46260998/apple-store-stock-performance-july-analysis">Apple's App Store Just Had A Blowout Quarter — And That Might Be The Signal Bulls Needed</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46246380/iren-stock-is-rising-thursday-whats-going-on">IREN Stock Is Rising Thursday: What's Going On?</a>

The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/guidance/25/07/46209736/centene-withdraws-2025-guidance-shares-dive">"Centene withdraws 2025 guidance, shares dive"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) stock plunged over 21% after it pulled its full-year 2025 guidance — citing a preliminary actuarial review showing a $1.8 billion reduction in risk adjustment revenue and a projected $2.75 EPS hit — triggering a sell‑off across the health insurance sector.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46235023/lucid-reports-q2-production-delivery-numbers-shares-stall">"Lucid reports Q2 production, delivery numbers, shares stall"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) produced 3,863 vehicles in Q2 and delivered 3,309, both record highs year‑over‑year but short of Wall Street estimates, causing shares to stall despite continued progress in scaling production and demand.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46242782/why-qualcomms-stock-isnt-soaring-like-its-rivals">"Why Qualcomm's stock isn't soaring like its rivals"</a>, by Anusuya Lahiri, reports that Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) has delivered modest 6% year‑to‑date gains — trailing the PHLX Semiconductor Index's 13% and Nvidia's 43% — due to its heavy reliance on handset markets and slower diversification into AI and data‑center chips.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46222916/centenes-guidance-withdrawal-spooks-sector-oscar-health-stock-falls">Centene's Guidance Withdrawal Spooks Sector, Oscar Health Stock Falls</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46220830/united-health-stock-is-sliding-today-whats-going-on">United Health Stock Is Sliding Today: What's Going On?</a>
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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Datadog, Centene, Lucid — And US Makes Surprise Trade Deal With Vietnam

Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen says Steve Jobs' legendary success stemmed from his refusal to tolerate mediocrity, even if it meant being one of "the most disagreeable people in the history of humankind."
What Happened: Speaking on the "A16z Podcast," Andreessen described the late Apple Inc. co-founder as someone who would argue over "the shape of a glass on the table in front of you," <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/steve-jobs-marc-andreessen-apple-elon-musk-disagreeable-genius-2025-7">reported</a> Business Insider.
He said Jobs' relentless pursuit of perfection wasn't personal — it was foundational to his genius.
"It was where a lot of the genius came from," Andreessen said. "He was just not going to take the status quo for granted under any circumstances."
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46256702/sundar-pichai-next-trumps-next-big-tech-payday-could-be-from-youtube-after-settling-lawsuits-with-meta-and-x-productive-discussions-underway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sundar Pichai Next? Trump's Next Big Tech Payday Could Be From YouTube After Settling Lawsuits With Meta And X: ‘Productive Discussions' Underway</a>
Andreessen, who met Jobs in the 1990s, said books tend to portray him as either a saint or a tyrant, but in reality, "the truth was in the middle."
"If you brought him first-class work… he was the best manager and CEO you were ever going to work with," Andreessen added.
He compared Jobs' approach to that of Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, pointing out that both used "first principles thinking," a method of breaking down problems to their core elements.
Jobs' exacting standards created an environment where "the best people in the world are going to love being here because they&#8217;re surrounded by the best people in the world," he said.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It's Important: Jobs is credited with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39036830/when-apple-plunged-into-severe-losses-steve-jobs-used-these-3-simple-strategies-to-save-cupertino-fr">saving the company from</a> near bankruptcy in the 1990s. At a time when Apple was struggling with massive losses and dwindling cash reserves, Jobs returned in 1997 and led a strategic turnaround.
He secured a $150 million investment from Microsoft Corporation, streamlined the product line and launched iconic products like the iPod, iPhone, MacBook and iPad, transforming Apple into one of the world's most valuable companies.
On Aug. 24, 2011, Jobs resigned as Apple's CEO, just six weeks before he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/08/34022798/this-day-in-apple-history-steve-jobs-resigned-as-ceo-12-years-ago-and-handed-reins-to-tim-cook">sadly passed away</a> following a nearly decade-long fight with pancreatic cancer.
Today, Apple's market capitalization is at $3.189 trillion.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Kemarrravv13/ Shutterstock

Marc Andreessen Says Steve Jobs Wasn't A Saint Or A Monster: Just A Genius Who Refused To Accept Mediocrity And Made Everyone Better

President Donald Trump has said that he has signed letters to 12 countries, detailing the tariff rates they would face on exports to the United States. 
What Happened: According to a Reuters report, these &#8220;take it or leave it&#8221; offers are set to be dispatched on Monday. Trump did not disclose the countries involved.
The U.S. President had previously indicated that the letters would be dispatched on Friday, a national holiday in the U.S. However, the date has now been postponed. The letters outline the tariff levels that would apply to the countries&#8217; exports to the U.S.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40800872/wall-street-falls-ahead-of-trump-harris-debate-bank-stocks-tumble-oil-plummets-to-65-on-weaker-d">Wall Street Falls Ahead Of Trump-Harris Debate, Bank Stocks Tumble, Oil Plummets To $65 On Weaker Demand Outlook: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Tuesday? &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Trump announced a 10% base tariff rate in April, with additional rates for most countries, some as high as 50%. However, all rates except the 10% base were suspended for 90 days to allow for further negotiations.
This period ends on July 9, with Trump suggesting that the tariffs could be increased to as high as 70%, with most taking effect on August 1.
Trump and his administration initially planned to negotiate tariff rates with numerous countries, but have since shifted to sending out letters, a process the President finds easier. The only trade deals reached so far are with the U.K. and Vietnam.
Why It Matters: This move by the Trump administration is part of a larger strategy to favor straightforward agreements over complex negotiations.
Trump had earlier announced that the U.S. would raise tariffs to up to 70% as the July 9 deadline approached. Negotiations with countries such as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46263399/trump-says-us-will-raise-tariffs-to-up-to-70-as-july-9-deadline-looms">Indonesia, South Korea, the European Union, and Switzerland</a> were reaching critical stages.
The U.S. stock market has been reacting to these developments, with the announcement of a trade deal with Vietnam <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46240810/us-stocks-likely-to-open-higher-as-trump-announces-vietnam-trade-deal-sp-500s-golden-cross-reason-to-expect-better-than-average-returns-says-expert">leading to a rise in stock futures</a>.
The Trump administration&#8217;s shift in strategy has also been evident in its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46188192/trump-administration-reportedly-scales-back-ambitions-for-comprehensive-trade-deals-before-tariff-deadline">decision to favor narrower agreements</a> to avoid the reimposition of U.S. tariffs.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Macro Notification

Trump to Send 'Take It Or Leave It' Tariff Letters To 12 Countries On Monday: Report

On Friday, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban acknowledged that he and the other Shark Tank investors missed a major opportunity by not backing the Tree T-Pee, a water-saving farming invention pitched over a decade ago.
What Happened: The product, developed by Florida farmer Johnny Georges, was introduced in Season 5 of Shark Tank as a plastic containment system that conserves water by directing it straight to the roots of young trees.
In his pitch, Georgess said that the Tree T-Pee could reduce annual water usage per tree from 25,000 gallons to just 800.
Although Georges impressed the panel with his authenticity and mission-driven approach, most sharks declined to invest due to low profit margins.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45433850/mr-wonderful-kevin-oleary-says-youre-literally-giving-away-money-to-billers-by-not-doing-this-one-simple-thing-and-hes-been-doing-it-for-decades" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mr Wonderful Kevin O&#8217;Leary Says You&#8217;re Literally Giving Away Money To Billers By Not Doing This One Simple Thing — And He&#8217;s Been Doing It For Decades</a>
Kevin O'Leary, for instance, raised concerns about scalability and the lack of pricing flexibility. However, guest shark John Paul DeJoria stepped in with a $150,000 offer for 20% equity, moved by Georges' dedication to farmers.
Now, over a decade later, the company is reportedly thriving with an estimated valuation of around $100 million, <a href="https://thetecheducation.com/tree-t-pee-net-worth-2022-how-much-money-does-tree-t-pee-make/">according</a> to The Tech Education.
Responding to a resurfaced clip from the episode on X, formerly Twitter, one social media user criticized the sharks' predatory behavior and praised George's values.
In response, Cuban replied, "That was a mistake. We blew it on this one. But I know I learned a lot in hindsight."
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">That was a mistake. We blew it on this one. But I know I learned a lot in hindsight
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1941263089632260358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It's Important: According to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/mark-cuban/">Index</a>, Cuban has a net worth of $8.53 billion. He co-founded Broadcast.com, an internet streaming service that he sold to Yahoo! for $4.8 billion in 1999.
Cuban, who joined Shark Tank as a guest in season 2 and became a full-time Shark in season 3, announced in 2023 that he'll leave the show after season 16. While he feels ready to move on, Cuban also said he'll deeply miss the cast and crew he's worked with over the years.
In a <a href="https://people.com/why-is-mark-cuban-leaving-shark-tank-11736058">conversation</a> with People, Cuban explained that he's leaving Shark Tank to spend more time with his kids, saying he wants to be present during important family moments and has no regrets about his decision.
Earlier this year, Cuban <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/20/mark-cuban-exits-shark-tank-a-look-at-his-investing-strategy.html">told</a> CNBC Make It that he's invested roughly $33 million during his time on Shark Tank, earning up to $35 million in cash returns and holding mark-to-market equity valued at no less than $250 million.
While he pledged around $61.9 million across over 200 deals on air, not every agreement shown closes afterward, according to Shark Tank Insights.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44219627/mark-cuban-dismisses-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnicks-trade-war-optimism-someone-needs-to-explain-how-capitalism-works" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Dismisses Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's Trade War Optimism: ‘Someone Needs To Explain…How Capitalism Works'</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Mark Cuban Admits 'We Blew It' On Tree T-Pee Deal — Says Passing On Water-Saving Invention Was A Major Mistake In Shark Tank History: 'I Learned A Lot In Hindsight'

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