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Blue Owl Capital

Blue Owl Cap

Blue Owl Capital Inc is an alternative asset management firm. The company deploys private capital across Credit, GP Strategic Capital, and Real Estate platforms on behalf of institutional and private wealth clients. The company conducts its operations through Blue Owl Capital Holdings LP (Blue Owl Holdings) and Blue Owl Capital Carry LP (Blue Owl Carry). Its investor base includes a diversified mix of institutional investors, including public and private pension funds, endowments, foundations, family offices, private banks, high-net-worth individuals, asset managers, and insurance companies. The company generates substantially all of its revenues in the United States.

Blue Owl Capital Inc. Class A Common Stock

Blue Owl Capital Inc

Owlet Inc

Owl Rock Capital Corp III Com

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44068159/nba-legend-shaq-says-his-net-worth-quadrupled-once-he-took-note-from-jeff-bezos-and-started-investing-in-things-that-change-peoples-lives">Shaquille O'Neal</a> may have dominated on the court, but in matters of the heart? He's the first to admit — he dropped the ball.
After ex-wife Shaunie O'Neal said she wasn't sure she ever really loved him, Shaq didn't dodge. He didn't deflect. He just posted one simple, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6t0miFuSyA/?igsh=Y3hqbzFqZ2Zqa3E5">gut-punch of a message on Instagram</a> last May:
"I understand. I wouldn't have been in love with me either. Wishing you all the best. All love." The post caption read, "trust me, I get it."
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The post sent fans into a frenzy. Some were heartbroken. Others were worried. Was he okay? Even son Shareef jumped into the comments with a reality check:
"Love you, man! You saved my life. Literally the most lovable and likable person on the planet."
Shaunie had just gone public with her memoir, "Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning On My Own Terms", where she wrote, "Looking back, I don't know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with."
She described enjoying time with him on NBA road trips — but made it clear the marriage was built more on image and routine than deep connection.
Shaq, to his credit, took the hit. And this wasn't his first time owning up to his role in the collapse. Back in 2022, on <a href="https://youtu.be/HeojkELPHzo?si=LaXUBA8vS1eBzAlq">"The Pivot Podcast"</a>, he said bluntly:
"I was bad. She was awesome. She really was. It was all me. She did exactly what she was supposed to do…gave me beautiful kids, take care of the house, take care of the corporate stuff. It was all me."
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
He also revealed what life looked like after she and the kids moved out of their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43106699/i-had-it-all-nba-legend-shaq-blames-himself-for-divorce-76000-sq-ft-house-by-yourself-no-kids-go-to-their-room-and-nobodys-there">76,000-square-foot mansion</a> in Orlando — and spoiler: it wasn't luxury, it was loneliness.
"You go to the gym — nobody. Go to their rooms — nobody. You start to feel it. The silence starts to get to you."
Shaq had it all — fame, money, trophies — but admits he lost the one thing that actually <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41168132/nba-legend-shaq-only-used-2-rooms-in-his-76-000-sq-ft-mansion-the-kitchen-because-i-like-to-eat-and">made that house a home</a>.
Shaunie remarried in 2022. Shaq remains single — but still full of grace. "I'm happy for her. I hope this gentleman treats her the way she's supposed to be treated. I'ma still love her," <a href="https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/shaquille-oneal-shaunie-2/">he told Essence</a>.&nbsp;
In the end, the Big Diesel reminds everyone: even giants can feel small when the house is too quiet.
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

NBA Legend Shaq Says He Felt 'Lost' Wandering His 76,000-Square-Foot House Alone After Divorce — 'The Silence Starts To Get To You'

In 2022, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/cdZZpaB2kDM?si=iE1KpBYZGSQsR9oL">during a TED interview in Vancouver</a>, Elon Musk delivered the kind of line that doesn't leave much room for humility.
"At this point, I think I know more about manufacturing than anyone currently alive on Earth," he said, after recounting what he called three years of "excruciating pain" while ramping up production of the Model 3. "We were on the ragged edge of bankruptcy the entire time… I can tell you how every damn part in that car is made."
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That stretch—2017 through 2019—was brutal, Musk admitted. But by 2022, he seemed confident Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp; had cracked the code. Factories were smarter. Processes were streamlined. The future, according to Musk, would be different.
Now in 2025, that confidence is facing a reality check—one stainless steel panel at a time.
Tesla began Cybertruck deliveries in late 2023. Since then, the truck has been recalled eight times in 15 months. The most recent issue came this month, when U.S. safety regulators issued a recall covering 46,096 Cybertrucks—virtually every one on the road.
According to the <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/TESLA/CYBERTRUCK/PU%2FCC/AWD">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a>, a panel known as the cant rail assembly—running along both sides of the windshield—can detach while driving. The part is secured with structural adhesive that, as it turns out, might not hold up in the real world. Tesla's fix involves a stronger adhesive and added reinforcements. Notices are expected to go out to owners by May 19.
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This follows a November recall over an inverter defect that could cause the drive wheels to lose power—just one in a string of problems that's kept the Cybertruck's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44249300/tesla-cybertruck-owner-says-hes-lost-70k-in-business-over-backlash-customers-hate-it-but-he-loves-it-the-best-truck-ive-ever-had">rollout anything but smooth</a>.
Compounding the technical issues, Tesla's efforts to market the Cybertruck have faced challenges. Initially promoted as a futuristic, high-status vehicle, the Cybertruck attracted celebrity attention and generated immense hype.&nbsp;
On an earnings call just a month before the Cybertruck's November 2023 launch, Musk declared that Tesla had racked up "over 1 million" reservations and said demand was "off the charts." However, sales have been disappointing, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44536773/demand-is-off-the-charts-elon-musk-claimed-tesla-had-over-1-million-cybertruck-reservations-just-46096-have-been-sold-in-14-months">with fewer than 50,000 units delivered</a>.&nbsp;
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In response, Tesla has shifted its marketing strategy, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44919745/cybertruck-gets-a-down-to-earth-redesign-as-tesla-shifts-to-traditional-pickup-marketing-amid-poor-sales">repositioning the Cybertruck as a practical, work-capable pickup</a> akin to the Ford F-150. This rebranding aims to appeal to traditional truck buyers, particularly in red-state markets, amid concerns that Musk's political affiliations may have alienated some potential customers.
To be clear, none of this erases Tesla's very real achievements in reinventing car factories or scaling production faster than just about anyone thought possible. But it does cast a playful shadow over Musk's boldest manufacturing claims—because knowing how every part is made doesn't always guarantee they'll get along once they hit the road.
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Image: Shutterstock

TSLA

Elon Musk Said With Confidence 'I Know More About Manufacturing Than Anyone Alive'—Then the Cybertruck Rolled Out With 8 Recalls And A PR Mess

John Santora, the CEO of&nbsp;WeWork, has revealed that the current economic uncertainty due to tariffs is driving an increase in&nbsp;business for the coworking space&nbsp;company.
What Happened: Speaking&nbsp;at a recent summit, Santora highlighted the reluctance of companies to commit to long-term leases amidst the prevailing tariff uncertainty.
During the summit, he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfW-nEDvWuQ">pointed</a> out that many businesses are holding back their investments to assess the potential impact of tariffs on their operations. This has led to WeWork witnessing a surge in lease extensions from existing clients and growing interest from new companies in their short-term leasing options.
&#8220;So if we look at it and just take today&#8217;s environment with all the uncertainty around tariffs and what&#8217;s happening, who&#8217;s prepared to commit to a 10- or a 15-year lease with $50 or $100 million spend?&#8221; he said. 
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Speaking with Bloomberg, Santora further underscored the role of WeWork in offering flexibility to its clients during these uncertain times. He also suggested that the return-to-office mandates could potentially fuel WeWork&#8217;s business, as companies wrestle with the unpredictability of future office attendance.
&#8220;You have to think about it. You have to think whether or not to invest that major capital in a market, at least through this short term. You have to step back,&#8221; he <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2025-04-25/bloomberg-talks-wework-ceo-john-santora-podcast?">said</a>. 
Why It Matters: WeWork&#8217;s business boost comes at a crucial time for the company, which went public through a SPAC in 2021 and&nbsp;filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy&nbsp;in 2023. 
The company&#8217;s ability to capitalize on the current economic uncertainty and adapt its business model to cater to the changing needs of its clients could be key to its recovery and future growth. 
However, WeWork declined to comment further on this matter.
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Image: Shutterstock/aushilfe444

News

Markets

This CEO Says Tariff Uncertainty Is Actually Good for His Business

In a bold move that&#8217;s stirring both excitement and concern, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44863402/nissan-taps-1-3b-backed-ai-pioneer-wayve-to-supercharge-propilot-system-ushering-a-new-era-of-human-like-driving">AI</a> researcher Tamay Besiroglu has launched Mechanize, a startup with the ambitious goal of fully automating all human labor.
Announced via a post on<a href="https://x.com/tamaybes/status/1912905467376124240"> X</a>, Besiroglu stated that Mechanize aims for &#8220;the full automation of all work&#8221; and &#8220;the full automation of the economy.&#8221; ​
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Comes After Humans? Mechanize Is Engineering the Answer</h2>
Mechanize plans to achieve this by developing virtual work environments, benchmarks, and training data to enable <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44066026/satya-nadella-says-ai-agents-will-replace-knowledge-work-but-theres-one-role-humans-will-always-need-to-play">AI agents</a> to perform tasks traditionally done by humans. The startup is initially focusing on white-collar jobs, such as those in finance, customer service, and management, rather than manual labor roles that would require robotics. ​
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The startup has garnered significant backing from prominent figures in the tech industry, including former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman, tech investor Daniel Gross, Stripe co-founder and CEO Patrick Collison, podcaster Dwarkesh Patel, Google Chief Scientist Jeff Dean, investor Sholto Douglas, and crypto hedge fund AltX Managing Partner Marcus Abramovitch, according to the<a href="https://www.mechanize.work/"> announcement</a> on startup&#8217;s site.
<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/19/famed-ai-researcher-launches-controversial-startup-to-replace-all-human-workers-everywhere/">TechCrunch</a> reported that Abramovitch expressed his support, stating, &#8220;The team is exceptional across many dimensions and has thought deeper on AI than anyone I know.&#8221;
Besiroglu estimates the total addressable market for Mechanize&#8217;s services by aggregating all wages currently paid to human workers, amounting to approximately $18 trillion annually in the U.S. and over $60 trillion globally. ​
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Despite the ambitious vision, Mechanize&#8217;s launch has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the startup&#8217;s mission could lead to widespread job displacement and economic inequality. One X user<a href="https://x.com/AnthonyNAguirre/status/1912924156838183182"> commented</a>, &#8220;The automation of most human labor is indeed a giant prize for companies, which is why many of the biggest companies on Earth are already pursuing it. I think it will be a huge loss for most humans, as well as contribute directly to intelligence runaway and disaster. The two are inextricably linked. Hard for me to see this as something other than just another entrant in the race to AGI by a slightly different name and a more explicit human-worker-replacement goal.&#8221;
In response to concerns, Besiroglu contends that fully automating labor could lead to &#8220;vast abundance, much higher standards of living, and new goods and services that we can&#8217;t even imagine today.&#8221; In an interview with<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/19/famed-ai-researcher-launches-controversial-startup-to-replace-all-human-workers-everywhere/"> TechCrunch</a>, he suggests that even if wages decrease, people could derive income from other sources such as rents, dividends, and government welfare. ​
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mechanize's Vision</h2>
Mechanize&#8217;s approach involves creating simulated environments and evaluations that capture the full scope of what people do at their jobs, including complex tasks like long-term planning and coordination.
The startup believes that by addressing the current shortcomings of AI models, such as unreliability and lack of long-context capabilities, it can unlock the potential for AI to perform a wide range of labor tasks.
As Mechanize moves forward, it joins a growing field of AI startups aiming to revolutionize the workforce. While the path ahead is fraught with ethical and economic challenges, the company&#8217;s vision has definitely ignited a critical conversation about the future of work in an increasingly automated world.
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Image: Shutterstock

Mechanize Raises Eyebrows And Millions: Tech Giants And Famous Investors Rally Behind AI Startup Aiming To Fully Automate The Global Workforce

World Network (WLD) outperformed some of the market&#8217;s most valued cryptocurrencies after soaring more than 50% over the week.&nbsp;
What happened: WLD, the native currency of the decentralized identity verification project, jumped 57.48% in the last seven days, becoming the sixth-largest market gain in the period.&nbsp;
The rally outgained returns by market heavyweights Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), which trailed at 10.17% and 11.12%, respectively.
Over the week, the daily active addresses have more than doubled, while large whale transactions, valued at over $100,000, have soared 393%, <a href="https://app.intotheblock.com/?timeRange=7d">according </a>to IntoTheBlock.
Speculative interest has also spiked, with Open Interest in WLD's derivatives <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/BitcoinOpenInterest">surging </a>to a 3-month high of $340 million, per Coinglass. Over 67% of Binance traders with an open WLD position were betting on its price increase.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44971891/sec-teams-up-with-nayib-bukele-led-el-salvador-for-a-crypto-regulatory-sandbox">SEC Zooms In On Nayib Bukele-Led El Salvador&#8217;s Crypto Regulation Model</a>
Why It Matters: The searing rally comes ahead of the World Network&#8217;s upcoming event hosted by its founder and well-known tech entrepreneur, Sam Altman.
The San Francisco event, called "At Last," could see major updates for the network and the cryptocurrency, providing further impetus to the rally.
During the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41395999/sam-altman-founded-worldcoin-is-changing-its-name-to-world-and-launching-its-own-blockchai">last such event</a> in October 2024, the project rebranded itself from "Worldcoin" to simply "World" and announced the launch of World Chain, an Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) Layer-2 network.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Building the largest human network for the age of AI takes all of us. You&#39;re invited &#x2709;&#xFE0F;<a href="https://t.co/0wbBPo4PEZ">https://t.co/0wbBPo4PEZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/zZLAliGXBH">pic.twitter.com/zZLAliGXBH</a>
&mdash; World (@worldcoin) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldcoin/status/1907857216700289273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
World Network captures people&#8217;s irises to confirm their humanness and build a digital ID, making them eligible for free WLD tokens.
However, it has been mired in controversy over concerns of personal data privacy, getting outlawed in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/05/38981228/sam-altman-founded-worldcoin-shown-the-door-in-hong-kong-over-privacy-concerns">Hong Kong</a>, Kenya, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39176283/sam-altman-founded-worldcoins-suspension-extended-in-spain-crypto-plunges-55-since-march-p">Spain</a>.
Price Action: At the time of writing, WLD was exchanging hands at $1.16, up 18.60% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock/jamesonwu1972

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What Caused Sam Altman-Founded World Network Token To Soar 57% in a Week?

Former NBA player&nbsp;Shaquille O&#8217;Neal&nbsp;has seen a significant increase in his wealth, quadrupling his net worth through an investment strategy inspired by Amazon&#8217;s CEO,&nbsp;Jeff Bezos.
What Happened: In an interview, O&#8217;Neal disclosed that his investment choices are guided by their potential to positively impact people&#8217;s lives, a philosophy he adopted from Bezos.
O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s investments span a broad spectrum of industries, including&nbsp;Five Guys and Big Chicken&nbsp;restaurants, Carnival Cruise Lines, and 24 Hour Fitness. Earlier this year, he also joined the board of directors at Papa John&#8217;s.
The NBA Hall of Famer&#8217;s&nbsp;favorite investment is Krispy Kreme, where he owns multiple franchises. &#8220;Because&nbsp;I like donuts, and Charles&nbsp;Barkley loves donuts. He's my&nbsp;biggest customer,&#8221; O&#8217;Neal said while speaking with <a href="https://www.wsj.com/video/shaquille-oneal-discusses-investing-franchising-and-donuts/8063A172-ABFF-496B-8700-4D51A6234054.html">The</a> Wall Street Journal.
Interestingly, O&#8217;Neal revealed that he declined offers from Wheaties twice, stating, &#8220;Frosted&nbsp;Flakes will always be my&nbsp;first option if you wanna&nbsp;talk cereal business with me.&#8221;
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"I heard Bezos say one time when he was talking, he makes his investment based on if it's going to change people's lives. And once I started doing that strategy whistles, I think I probably quadrupled what I'm worth now," O'Neal said.
Looking forward, O&#8217;Neal has ambitious plans that include becoming a sheriff, attending law school, opening his own law firm, and establishing a K-12 children&#8217;s school.
"My skill is if something comes across my desk and I don't believe in it, I won't even look at it. At all. It's just, one, I can't lie to the people, and two, yeah, it's a gut feeling," he added. 
Why It Matters: O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s investment strategy, inspired by Bezos, highlights the importance of investing in ventures that have the potential to change people&#8217;s lives. 
His diverse portfolio, including fast food, fitness, and cruise lines, demonstrates the value of diversification in investment. His success serves as a testament to the potential of strategic and thoughtful investment decisions. 
Furthermore, his future plans indicate a commitment to public service and education, reflecting a broader vision beyond just financial success.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Take Investment Advice From Shaq — His Fortune Grew Thanks To Charles Barkley and Donuts

<ul>
<li>With pharmaceutical tariffs expected to be announced in the next 30 to 60 days, experts are warning they could negatively impact the "pretty fragile supply" of generic drugs</li>
<li>The financial consequences of the levies on countries like China and India, which make many of the ingredients necessary for the drugs, may be so dire that the companies stop doing business with the U.S. entirely</li>
<li>This could have massive consequences, as 90% of medications prescribed in the U.S. are generic</li>
</ul>
When President Donald Trump announced his first round of tariffs on April 2, pharmaceuticals were exempted. But at an April 8 dinner of the National Republican Congressional Committee, he told attendees that "major" pharmaceutical tariffs would be announced "very shortly." Now, experts are warning that the imposition of those levies could lead to major shortages and price increases for generic drugs.
According to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/business/tariffs-impact-generic-drugs-access/index.html?utm_source=business_ribbon">CNN</a>, generic drug companies are already struggling to deal with increasing competition and tight profit margins. Adding hefty levies on top of those existing issues could leave these companies in a position where they'd be unable to recoup the additional expenses, and therefore unable to do business in the U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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"A resilient and reliable generic medicines supply chain is critical to patient health, U.S. healthcare and national security interests. Tariffs, however, will only amplify the problems that already exist in the U.S. market for affordable medicines. Without substantive regulatory and reimbursement changes to the U.S. market, tariffs will exacerbate current shortages that hinder patient access today, John Murphy III, CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines, said in a <a href="https://accessiblemeds.org/resources/press-releases/aam-comments-on-section-232-investigation-on-pharmaceuticals/">statement</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There are currently over 250 drug shortages in the U.S., down from the all-time high of 323 in early 2024. According to t<a href="https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/shortage-resources/drug-shortages-statistics?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly">he American Society of Health-System Pharmacists</a>, shortages of antibiotics are a particular problem.&nbsp;
And it's poised to get worse. Rena Conti, an associate professor at Boston University, told CNN that there's already "a pretty fragile supply" of generic drugs in general, as nearly 40% of generic medications have just one or two companies making their ingredients. If these factories are hit by tariffs or forced to shut down by rising prices, we could see a huge drop in supply and/or a huge spike in prices.
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For the American consumer, that's bad news. Generic drugs make up about 90% of the medications prescribed in this country. "The pain will ultimately be borne by the consumer, by the patient," Arthur Wong, managing director for US health care practice at S&amp;P Global, told CNN.
These warnings have fallen on deaf ears among the Trump administration. Earlier this month, officials began an investigation into pharmaceutical imports, hoping to set the stage for future tariffs established on national security grounds. The probe must be completed within 270 days, though results may be expected earlier.&nbsp;
Trump told reporters on April 13 that the investigation and resulting tariffs were necessary safeguards. "We're going to have our drugs made in the United States, so that in case of war, in case of whatever, we're not relying on China and various other countries, which is not a good idea," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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But experts aren't convinced that things will play out the way the Trump administration hopes. Evan Seigerman, a pharmaceuticals analyst with BMO Capital Markets, told CNN, "Given the complexity of the Pharma supply chain, we do not expect the industry to make any major changes."&nbsp;
Kathleen Jaeger, US spokesperson for the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, agreed with Seigerman, saying, "If large tariffs are imposed, they will trigger substantially more drug shortages, cause greater US dependence on China for life-saving medications, and delay Indian companies' investments in America." India is a major global supplier of generic drugs, and the US, in particular, is heavily reliant on the country to meet demand.&nbsp;
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Experts Warn Tariffs Could Negatively Impact 'Pretty Fragile Supply' Of Generic Drugs

CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer is preparing investors for another action-packed week on Wall Street, packed with earnings reports from major <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tech players and key economic updates</a>.
On Friday, Cramer emphasized that this week investors should brace for financial updates from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), alongside critical economic indicators, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/25/cramers-week-ahead-key-economic-data-and-big-tech-earnings.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Cramer warned that the uncertainty around tariff policy remains a major market risk.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/45012801/3-stocks-to-consider-in-this-outperforming-sector" rel="noreferrer noopener">3 Stocks To Consider In This Outperforming Sector</a>
Without meaningful progress on trade deals, he cautioned that Wall Street might struggle to absorb disappointing earnings, despite the recent market rally.
He described the coming days as &#8220;consequential,&#8221; noting that real trade negotiations must be sorted from political maneuvers to maintain investor confidence. CNBC quotes Cramer, &#8220;We're about to get into the weeds with tariffs.&#8221;
Among industrial names, Nucor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>) will post results Monday, with Cramer noting its position at the intersection of tariff discussions and recession concerns.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) will report Tuesday, offering potential insight into consumer demand and tariff effects on costs.
Meanwhile, consumer brands Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>), and Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) will also share quarterly updates.
Wednesday brings earnings from Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), a stock Cramer watches closely for infrastructure spending clues.
Tech giants Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) will release earnings midweek as well, with advertising trends and AI developments under scrutiny.
On Thursday, attention will turn to Apple and Amazon, with Cramer expecting Apple to pivot towards India and Amazon to highlight its retail and advertising strengths despite tariff pressures.
CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) and Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) will post results Thursday, with optimism centered on strong drug sales and insurance performance.
McDonald's Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) is also expected to report healthy growth amid a tough consumer environment.
To close out the week, Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) will report Friday, while the Labor Department&#8217;s nonfarm payrolls data could influence Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations, CNBC notes.
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Earnings

Equities

General

AAPL

AMZN

MSFT

SBUX

SPOT

Cramer's Warning: Tariff Chaos Could Derail Tech Earnings Frenzy This Week

Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has embarked on a major overhaul of its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning divisions, shifting elements to different departments within the organization.
Bloomberg's&nbsp;Mark Gurman,&nbsp;in his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-04-27/what-is-happening-with-apple-s-ai-team-siri-and-robotics-shifts-mark-a-breakup?srnd=undefined&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">latest</a>&nbsp;weekly "Power On" shared that Apple&#8217;s AI team, previously unified under the guidance of John Giannandrea, is being fragmented due to subpar performance. Giannandrea, an ex-Google executive, joined Apple in 2018 with the mission to consolidate Apple&#8217;s dispersed AI projects and supervise the evolution of Siri and other AI-centric initiatives.
However, the unified strategy has not met expectations after six years. Apple&#8217;s AI ventures, including Siri, have fallen behind rivals such as&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Alexa and Google Assistant. Apple Intelligence, the company&#8217;s AI product launched last year, has also disappointed, with several features being delayed.
Consequently, Apple is reverting to its former management structure. Siri has been handed over to Vision Pro head&nbsp;Mike Rockwell, who now reports&nbsp;to software chief Craig Federighi. 
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The company&#8217;s covert robotics group has also been shifted from Giannandrea&#8217;s leadership to Apple&#8217;s hardware engineering department, headed by John Ternus.
The restructuring is perceived as a reaction to the AI team&#8217;s failure to deliver products promptly, a luxury Apple can no longer afford. The changes have also sparked rumors that the company is gearing up for Giannandrea&#8217;s potential exit.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;The restructuring of Apple&#8217;s AI team is a significant move, reflecting the company&#8217;s struggle to keep pace with competitors in the AI space. 
The shift in management structure indicates a strategic shift as Apple aims to improve its AI offerings. The performance of Apple&#8217;s AI initiatives, particularly Siri, has been a point of concern, and this restructuring could be a step towards addressing these issues. 
The move also suggests potential changes in Apple&#8217;s leadership, hinting at a possible departure of Giannandrea.
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Image: Shutterstock

Tech

Apple's AI Team Undergoes Major Restructuring Amidst Performance Concerns

The Securities and Exchange Commission <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-69">filed charges</a> on Tuesday against Ramil Palafox, accusing him of running a fraudulent investment scheme that collected nearly $198 million from Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and foreign exchange investors and misappropriated more than $57 million for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44747802/block-fined-40-million-by-new-york-regulator-over-cash-app-compliance-failures"> his personal benefit.</a>
The Details: According to the SEC's complaint, Palafox operated through his company, PGI Global, which he promoted as a cryptocurrency and foreign exchange trading business. Between January 2020 and October 2021, Palafox offered "membership" packages to investors that promised guaranteed high returns from PGI Global's alleged trading activities.
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The SEC alleges that Palafox diverted over $57 million to finance an extravagant lifestyle, including the purchase of luxury cars, expensive watches and high-end goods. The complaint further states that most of the remaining investor money was used to pay returns and referral bonuses to earlier investors, operating in a Ponzi-like fashion until the scheme collapsed in late 2021.
"Palafox used the guise of innovation to lure investors into lining his pockets with millions of dollars while leaving many victims empty-handed," said Laura D'Allaird, Chief of the Commission's Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit.&nbsp;
"In reality, his false claims of crypto industry expertise and a supposed AI-powered auto-trading platform were just masking an international securities fraud," D'Allaird added.&nbsp;
The SEC's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, charges Palafox with violating federal securities laws' anti-fraud and registration requirements. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, a ban on Palafox's involvement in similar investment programs, the return of ill-gotten gains with interest and civil penalties.
In a related criminal case, Palafox has been arraigned on charges brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Legal

Financial Crime Weekly: Man Charged With Operating $198 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme

<ul>
<li>A federal judge ruled Google's online advertising business an illegal monopoly on April 17</li>
<li>The verdict is the second time the courts have found the company guilty of breaking antitrust laws in the last year</li>
<li>Google plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the court is basing its arguments on frameworks that are no longer relevant</li>
</ul>
Google's ad services are an illegal monopoly, according to a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema. The decision, which was handed down April 17, is the second antitrust ruling against the company in the last year. In her opinion, the judge ruled that the company's ad business, which matches website publishers with advertisers and determines which banner ads appear on which sites across the web, has violated antitrust law.
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"For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets," Brinkema wrote in her <a href="https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/court-filings/united-states-of-america-et-al-v-google-llc-memorandum-opinion-2025.pdf">115-page ruling</a>.&nbsp; Continuing, "Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anti-competitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features."
According to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/google-illegal-monopoly-advertising-search-a1e4446c4870903ed05c03a2a03b581e">Associated Press</a>, the construction of the monopolizing ad system began back in 2008, when Google bought online ad specialist DoubleClick for $3.2 billion. At the time, U.S. regulators approved the purchase. Now, they've realized that move enabled the company to manipulate ad prices.
The Justice Department argued that Google controls all three corners of the digital ad market— one side that allows website publishers to sell ad space on their websites, the other is the technology that advertisers use to get their ads in front of viewers, and the third is the ad exchanges that conduct automated auctions that connect buyers and sellers.
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Google has said it plans to appeal the ruling. "Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective," Lee-Anne Mulholand, the company's vice president of regulatory affairs, the media reports.
According to the AP, the company's lawyers argued that the government is basing its case on antiquated concepts that were relevant a decade ago, but are no longer a good framework for understanding the highly competitive market for advertising that exists currently.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The decision marks the Justice Department's second victory over the tech giant in a year. Last August, US District Judge Amit Mehta, ruled that Google held an illegal monopoly on search. In that <a href="https://www.pacermonitor.com/view/VZTUTSQ/UNITED_STATES_OF_AMERICA_et_al_v_GOOGLE_LLC__dcdce-20-03010__1033.0.pdf?mcid=tGE3TEOA">ruling</a>, the judge said that the company's exclusive contracts, which secured them the spot as the No. 1 search engine on smartphones and web browsers, violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/11/tech/google-app-store-epic-games/index.html">And back in 2023</a>, a federal jury found the Google app store to be an illegal monopoly.
The cases are expected to play out over the next several years as Google appeals the decisions.&nbsp;
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Google Declared An Illegal Monopoly For The Second Time In A Year, Digital Ad Network Under Fire

Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares have experienced a 20% surge after CEO Elon Musk said he is stepping back from DOGE.
What Happened: Musk, who had been collaborating with the Trump administration for the past quarter, declared his intention to devote more time to Tesla during the company&#8217;s Q1 earnings call. This announcement served as a trigger for the stock&#8217;s rally, alleviating shareholders&#8217; concerns about Musk&#8217;s divided attention.
By the end of the week, Tesla&#8217;s stock price had climbed to $286.85 per share, marking a 20% increase&nbsp;from Tuesday&#8217;s closing price of&nbsp;$237.97. Analysts are optimistic that this could indicate the beginning of a prolonged recovery for the electric vehicle giant.
Musk&#8217;s association with&nbsp;the Department of Government Efficiency,&nbsp;which involved initiating federal layoffs, had raised concerns about potential harm to Tesla&#8217;s brand. The first quarter of the year witnessed an uptick in Tesla boycotts and protests, coupled with weak sales and delivery data both domestically and internationally.
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&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be viewed&nbsp;historically as probably the most&nbsp;important conference call Musk has&nbsp;ever had,&#8221; stated Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, during an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4AifoMbd0U">interview</a>. Ives, a staunch Tesla advocate, had previously criticized Musk&#8217;s political aspirations.
On Friday, the&nbsp;US Department of Transportation announced&nbsp;relaxed rules on autonomous vehicles, providing an additional boost to Tesla&#8217;s stock. 
The modifications, designed to maintain the competitiveness of American firms against escalating Chinese rivalry, exempt&nbsp;self-driving cars used for testing&nbsp;from certain safety procedures.
Why It Matters
Musk&#8217;s return to Tesla and his decision to shift focus from his political pursuits have evidently restored investor confidence, as reflected in the recent surge in Tesla&#8217;s stock price. 
The relaxation of rules on autonomous vehicles by the US Department of Transportation further bolsters Tesla&#8217;s position in the market, potentially paving the way for increased testing and development of self-driving cars.
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Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Tesla Stock Skyrockets 20% Following Elon Musk's Return and Shift From DOGE

Experts are predicting that President Donald Trump&#8216;s trade policy could lead to significant supply chain disruptions, resulting in increased product prices and potential shortages in the coming weeks.
What Happened: Supply chain researchers, shipping&nbsp;insiders, and logistics specialists have forecasted major disruptions in product availability and pricing due to Trump&#8217;s tariffs. If the current approach continues, the consequences could intensify,&nbsp;leading to higher domestic unemployment&nbsp;rates, global market instability, and&nbsp;heightened geopolitical tensions by year-end.
Since the inception of Trump&#8217;s broad tariffs, ocean freight shipment bookings have seen a significant drop. Despite a 90-day halt on increased tariffs on goods from numerous countries, a&nbsp;10% baseline tariff on all&nbsp;countries and a&nbsp;145% tariff on imported Chinese&nbsp;goods are still in effect, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariffs-increase-prices-empty-shelves-timeline-supply-chain-holidays-2025-4">The</a> Insider. 
Vizion, a digital logistics firm, has reported a steep global drop of nearly 50% in ocean freight container bookings after Trump&#8217;s initial tariff announcement in early April. This trend has persisted in the following weeks, resulting in what Vizion refers to as a &#8220;tariff shockwave&#8221;.
Bob Ferrari, a supply chain&nbsp;executive and managing director of&nbsp;the Ferrari Consulting and Research&nbsp;Group, expressed his concerns, stating, &#8220;This is a big deal. It&nbsp;has a lot of ramifications&nbsp;because it&#8217;s something that the&nbsp;system is not equipped to&nbsp;deal with, and businesses are&nbsp;not equipped to deal with.&nbsp;It has a lot of&nbsp;far-reaching implications.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44780349/trumps-tariff-policies-fuel-economic-concerns-economists-expect-slower-growth-ahead">Trump&#8217;s Tariff Policies Fuel Economic Concerns, Economists Expect Slower Growth Ahead</a>
With the current tariffs against China standing&nbsp;at 145%, many companies have&nbsp;put a halt to their new stock shipments and are waiting for the next changes before placing large orders. 
Chris Tang, a global supply chain management expert and professor at the&nbsp;University of California, Los Angeles, said,&nbsp;&#8220;Right now, they&#8217;re canceling orders,&nbsp;so the inventory will be&nbsp;running low.&#8221;
Ryan Petersen, the founder and&nbsp;CEO of Flexport, suggested that if Trump manages to reduce the tariffs soon, the impact on consumers could be minimal. However, he warned,&nbsp;&#8220;But if there&#8217;s no deal,&nbsp;then yes, there will be&nbsp;big shortages. Probably&nbsp;worse than anything we&#8217;ve seen&nbsp;in our lifetimes.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The potential disruptions in the supply chain due to Trump&#8217;s aggressive trade policy could have far-reaching implications, affecting not just the businesses, but also consumers. 
The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has led to a decline in shipment bookings and could result in product shortages if not addressed in a timely manner. 
The situation underscores the importance of stable trade relations and policies in maintaining a healthy global economy.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Ceri Breeze

Market Summary

Politics

Experts Say New Tariffs Could Spark Higher Prices and Shortages Within Weeks

Cluely, a provocative <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44927300/this-nvidia-backed-ai-upstart-boasts-extremely-rapid-revenue-growth-analyst-initiates-overweight">AI startup</a> born from academic controversy, just closed a $5.3 million seed round led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures.
According to<a href="https://futurism.com/columbia-student-ai-cheating-startup"> Futurism</a>, the company's core product is a real-time, invisible <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44450807/zuckerberg-says-2025-will-be-the-year-an-ai-assistant-hits-1-billion-users-and-he-wants-it-to-be-meta-ai">AI assistant</a> that operates through a hidden browser overlay, giving users live answers during interviews, coding tests, exams, and even meetings.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ivy League Fallout Sparks a $5.3M AI Startup</h2>
The founders, Chungin "Roy" Lee and Neel Shanmugam dropped out of Columbia University after being suspended for creating the early version of the tool, known then as Interview Coder. That tool, built to help candidates navigate technical interviews on platforms like LeetCode, quickly went viral and caught the attention of Columbia's disciplinary board.
Within weeks of their suspension, the co-founders rebranded the product and announced the funding round on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/roy-lee-goat_i-got-kicked-out-of-columbia-for-building-activity-7319827343730974720-f4ew/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAADHUUIEBu9ykWEQA6ZCNi-WBJ4dxkaU6GpY"> LinkedIn</a>. Their AI, marketed as "completely undetectable," sees the screen, hears the audio, and feeds the user context-specific responses in real time.
In an interview with the New York Times' "Hard Fork&#8221;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/podcasts/hardfork-ai-action-plans.html?showTranscript=1"> podcast</a>, co-founder Lee stated, &#8220;I read the student handbook quite thoroughly before I actually started building this thing [&#8230;] but I didn't actually expect to get expelled at all. And the student handbook very explicitly doesn't mention anything about academic resources.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Growth and Backlash in Equal Measure</h2>
The $5.3 million funding round, completed in just a few weeks following Cluely's rebrand, is being seen as a sign of growing investor appetite for new forms of human-AI collaboration, particularly in areas where performance pressure and assessment bias remain high.
Since launching its current version, Cluely has reported more than $3 million in annual recurring revenue. While critics have raised ethical questions about the software, supporters argue that it highlights inefficiencies in existing gatekeeping systems, particularly the widespread reliance on memorization-heavy assessments like LeetCode in technical hiring processes, writes<a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/technology/news/story/ai-startup-cluely-raises-53-million-to-let-users-cheat-on-everything-even-job-interviews-and-exams-472946-2025-04-22"> Business Today</a>.
A recent promotional video shared by the founder on<a href="https://x.com/im_roy_lee/status/1914061483149001132"> X</a> showed Lee using the software during a date to fabricate knowledge and facts in real-time, sparking debate across social media. While some saw the demonstration as a humorous take on modern dating and digital dependence, others likened it to scenarios featured in dystopian fiction such as Black Mirror. Some developers have already attempted to counteract Cluely's software, with one Reddit user<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/webdev/comments/1k4hlvw/i_built_a_poc_cluely_detection_tool_in_less_than/"> claiming</a> to have created a Swift-based tool that detects the platform when it is running.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Outlook and Industry Impact</h2>
Despite the public controversy, the startup continues to gain traction across industries. Early adopters include tech workers preparing for job interviews, sales professionals seeking support during live calls, and students managing online exam environments. According to<a href="https://fortune.com/article/cluely-ai-cheating-columbia-student-seed-funding/"> Fortune</a>, Cluely offers unlimited access to its AI tool through a subscription model priced at $20 per month or $100 annually.
With funding, momentum building, institutional support from respected venture firms, and rapidly growing user demand, Cluely is signaling a broader shift in the conversation around AI, merit, and human augmentation. Whether the world sees that as a threat or an evolution remains to be seen.
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Banned By Columbia, Backed By Millions: 21-Year-Old's AI Startup Cluely Lets You Cheat On Exams, Interviews, And Sales Calls

An influential cryptocurrency analyst flagged Bitcoin&#8217;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) next resistance level and a potential bearish signal amid the apex cryptocurrency&#8217;s resurgence this week.
What Happened: Ali Martinez, known for his technical and on-chain analysis of top cryptocurrencies, cautioned Saturday that Bitcoin could face &#8220;heavy&#8221; resistance between $94,125 and $99,150, potentially halting its upside. He called it a &#8220;critical zone&#8221; where 2.61 million wallets have accumulated 1.76 million BTC.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> faces heavy resistance between $94,125 and $99,150, where 2.61 million wallets accumulated 1.76 million BTC. A critical zone to watch! <a href="https://t.co/FJoojPs4P4">pic.twitter.com/FJoojPs4P4</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1916132658423201855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Martinez also identified bearish signs from some key technical indicators. He noticed a bearish divergence against the Relative Strength Index on BTC&#8217;s 4-hour chart, as well as &#8220;multiple&#8221; sell signals from the TD Sequential indicator.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> is showing bearish divergence against the RSI on the 4-hour chart, with the TD Sequential flashing multiple sell signals. Caution is warranted! <a href="https://t.co/EdwgsIFiT2">pic.twitter.com/EdwgsIFiT2</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1916098069243834421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"></a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44971891/sec-teams-up-with-nayib-bukele-led-el-salvador-for-a-crypto-regulatory-sandbox">SEC Zooms In On Nayib Bukele-Led El Salvador&#8217;s Crypto Regulation Model</a>
Interestingly, exchange netflows were positive in the last 24 hours, as <a href="https://app.intotheblock.com/?timeRange=24h">indicated </a>by IntoTheBlock, implying that more BTCs were being accumulated than deposited.
Why It Matters: These forecasts come amid Bitcoin&#8217;s sharp recovery this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44969947/bitcoin-ethereum-rise-dogecoin-falls-as-trump-reverses-course-on-china-tariffs-analyst-says-btc-setup-bullish-but-its-like-walking-on-thin-ice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pushing through the $94,000</a>&nbsp;mark for the first time since early March.
The rebound has spurred a wave of bullish predictions, with leading multinational bank Standard Chartered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/45014801/heres-why-bitcoin-has-decoupled-from-stocks-according-to-standard-chartered">reiterating</a> a $200,000 year-end price target and a $500,000 target for 2028 for the asset.
Moreover, in its Big Ideas 2025 report, Cathie Wood-led asset management firm Ark Invest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45003759/arks-bitcoin-bear-case-is-300000-by-2030-whats-the-bull-case">upgraded</a>&nbsp;its bear, base, and bull cases&nbsp;for Bitcoin&#8217;s price in 2030 at approximately $300,000, $710,000, and $1.5 million, respectively.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Bitcoin was exchanging hands at $94,318.49, up 0.65% in the last 24 hours, and 10.88% over the week, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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Analyst Weighs In: Bitcoin Soared Nearly 11% Last Week, But Where's the Next Resistance Coming?

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43903135/ais-19-9-trillion-impact-could-create-the-first-trillionaire-but-mark-cuban-says-it-wont-be-musk-or-bezos">Artificial intelligence</a> could soon do more than help with homework—it might replace traditional universities altogether. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "Godfather Of&nbsp; AI," made that prediction during an interview on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRQ4d8Rjmwg">The Agenda</a>" with Steve Paikin, a TVO Today program.
Hinton, one of the recipients of a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024 for his work on neural networks, warned that AI-powered tutors will soon become drastically more effective than human teachers.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Tutors Are Gaining Ground—And Fast</h2>
"If a private tutor that's a person is like two times better," Hinton said in the video, "these [AI tutors] will be three or four times better." He explained that by analyzing data from millions of students, AI systems could quickly identify a learner's unique gaps and offer precise, tailored feedback—at scale.
This kind of hyper-personalized learning isn't theoretical anymore. In China, platforms like Squirrel AI are already deploying adaptive tutoring technology. According to a breakdown by<a href="https://digitaldefynd.com/IQ/rise-of-ai-tutors/"> Digital Defynd</a>, students using Squirrel AI regularly outperform peers in traditional classrooms. The platform uses algorithms to customize content delivery in real-time based on a student's performance.
A<a href="https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4243877/v1/94b66827-34ba-43b7-a747-ef870d61bd14.pdf?c=1733164657"> Harvard study</a> also backs up Hinton's claim. It found that students using AI tutors learned more than double the material compared to those in active learning classrooms—and they did it in less time. AI tutors don't get tired, they don't get distracted, and they adapt instantly to each learner's pace.
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Meanwhile, formal education systems are starting to respond. The <a href="https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/wharton-school-introduces-new-undergraduate-concentration-and-mba-major-artificial-ntelligence">University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School</a> recently launched a curriculum focused entirely on artificial intelligence.
Wharton School Dean Erika James said in an April 2 <a href="https://news.wharton.upenn.edu/press-releases/2025/04/the-wharton-school-introduces-new-undergraduate-concentration-and-mba-major-in-artificial-intelligence-for-business/">statement</a>,"It&#8217;s no longer a question of if, but how artificial intelligence will fundamentally alter every aspect of business and society." She added, "Business schools have a crucial role to play in ensuring that AI adoption leads to positive outcomes."
In Beijing, AI education is now compulsory for students starting in elementary school. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-beijing-ai-education-mandatory-classrooms-elementary-schoolers-2025-3">Business Insider</a> reported that Chinese students are now required to complete at least eight hours of AI instruction each year.
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But the generational shift isn't without anxiety. A<a href="https://8ce82b94a8c4fdc3ea6d-b1d233e3bc3cb10858bea65ff05e18f2.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/a7/cd/b145ce854643a05e5393fa0664a4/walton-gsv-voices-of-gen-z-ai-final-report-04042025.pdf"> Gallup </a>poll from March revealed that 41% of Gen Z respondents say AI tools make them anxious. About 44% expressed concerns that reliance on AI might weaken their critical thinking skills. 27% of the respondents were hopeful, and 36% were excited about the prospect of AI becoming mainstream in education.
AI tutor critics argue that while these systems are fast and accurate, they still lack emotional intelligence. "They can't inspire, grasp human behavior, or connect on a human level," explained a recent piece from<a href="https://www.robinwaite.com/blog/ai-tutors-vs-human-teachers-enhancing-education-or-replacing-it"> Robin Waite</a>, a business strategist who's written extensively on AI's role in education.
Still, Hinton's forecast raises a tough question for universities, especially those offering degrees in technical subjects like computer science. If an AI tutor can offer individualized, affordable, around-the-clock instruction that outperforms even the best professors, will students still spend thousands on a four-year degree?
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'Three Or Four Times Better': AI 'Godfather' Geoffrey Hinton Says AI Tutors Could Soon Outperform Humans And Make Degrees Obsolete

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<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.
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Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending April 25:
Construction Partners (NASDQ:ROAD): The civil infrastructure company you may never have heard of saw strong interest from Benzinga readers during the week. The increased interest comes ahead of second-quarter financial results scheduled for May 9. Analysts expect the company to report a loss of nine cents per share, down from a loss of 2 cents per share in last year's second quarter. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $559.6 million, up from $371.4 million in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters and revenue in nine of the last 10 quarters, including six straight. In January, the stock was the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/01/43173631/construction-partners-stock-cracks-under-pressure-as-short-seller-warns-of-potential-50-downside">target of a short report</a> from Spruce Point alleging the company has a weak backlog, revenue growth failures. The report said the stock could fall by up to 50%. In February, the company <a href="https://ir.constructionpartners.net/news/press-releases/detail/139/construction-partners-inc-announces-fiscal-2025-first">reported </a>first-quarter revenue growth of 42% year-over-year and said it had a record backlog of $2.66 billion. The company's recent acquisitions grow the company's presence in Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama, which could defend off part of the short report that said the company was reliant on Florida and seeing declining revenue in the state.
The stock was up around 5% over the last week, as seen on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0425">Benzinga Pro chart</a> below, with shares up 55% over the last year.
<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=0425"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="503" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180130/Screenshot-384.png" alt="" class="wp-image-889645" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180130/Screenshot-384.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180130/Screenshot-384-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180130/Screenshot-384-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>): The midstream energy company saw increased interest from readers ahead of first-quarter financial results on May 5. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of 56 cents, down from 59 cents per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in more than 10 straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter revenue of $2.90 billion, up from $2.77 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in six of the last 10 quarters. The company received at least<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/analyst-ratings"> five price target increases </a>from analysts in the month of March ahead of quarterly results.
<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=0425"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180143/Screenshot-385.png" alt="" class="wp-image-889646" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180143/Screenshot-385.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180143/Screenshot-385-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180143/Screenshot-385-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
RBC Bearings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBC#NYSE">RBC</a>): The precision bearings company makes products for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries and investors are increasingly looking at the stock with fourth-quarter financial results likely to come in May. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $2.70, up from $2.47 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in six of the last eight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $440.3 million, up from $413.7 million in last year's fourth quarter. RBC has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in two of the last four quarters, but missed estimates in six of the last 10 quarters. Truist <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RBC/analyst-ratings">maintained a Buy rating </a>on the stock recently, while lowering the price target from $410 to $375. The company <a href="https://investor.rbcbearings.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rbc-bearings-incorporated-announces-fiscal-third-quarter-2025">saw </a>third-quarter net sales up 5.5% year-over-year with Aerospace/Defense up 10.7% year-over-year. Investors and analysts will likely be looking for more growth in the fourth quarter and positive comments on the company's industries. RBC executives said they were preparing for volume recovery from customers throughout 2025.
<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=0425"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180156/Screenshot-386.png" alt="" class="wp-image-889647" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180156/Screenshot-386.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180156/Screenshot-386-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180156/Screenshot-386-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Casella Waste Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CWST#NASDAQ">CWST</a>): The waste removal company saw strong interest from readers ahead of first-quarter financial results coming on May 1. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of 10 cents, up from a loss of one cent per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings in five of the last 10 quarters. Estimates for revenue call for a quarterly total of $404.3 million, up from $341.0 million in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in three of the last four quarters and five of the last 10 for revenue. Investors and analysts could be turning to a company like Casella with waste services a mostly recession proof and industry that could avoid tariffs. Casella has also been aggressive with <a href="https://casellawastesystems.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/casella-waste-systems-inc-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-17">acquisitions</a>, adding eight businesses in the last fiscal year that will add over $200 million in annualized revenue. The company has also acquired three businesses already in fiscal 2025, set to add $40 million in annualized revenue. Along with quarterly results, Casella will report at a Stifel analyst event on May 5.
<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=0425"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1003" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180210/Screenshot-387.png" alt="" class="wp-image-889648" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180210/Screenshot-387.png 1003w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180210/Screenshot-387-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180210/Screenshot-387-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1003px) 100vw, 1003px" /></a></figure>
Applovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>): The advertising tech company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44448522/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">returns to the Stock Whisper Index</a> and could see increased interest thanks to upcoming quarterly earnings. The stock has been one of the top performers in the last year, but saw several short reports<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43981217/applovin-stock-drops-on-multiple-short-reports-allegations-of-copying-meta-creating-smoke-and-mirrors-game" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> send shares lower</a>. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of $1.44, up from 67 cents per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in seven straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $1.38 billion, up from $1.06 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in two straight quarters and eight of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have been keeping their neutral or buy ratings with most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/APP/analyst-ratings">lowering the price target. </a>The stock remains up 300% over the last year, but shares are well off the 52-week high of $525.04.
<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=0425"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="503" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180223/Screenshot-389.png" alt="" class="wp-image-889649" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180223/Screenshot-389.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180223/Screenshot-389-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25180223/Screenshot-389-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></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=0425" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44448522/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 21</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 28</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/04/44651693/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">April 4</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44883576/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-61">April 18 </a></li>
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Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Michigan-based automaker Slate Auto is preparing to shake up the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of its minimalist, highly affordable electric truck, the Slate Truck, which is priced under just $20,000.
What Happened: Slate Auto has revealed a new electric truck that is set to begin production next year. The Slate Truck, a stripped-down model designed for affordability and customization, is expected to make waves in the EV market.
The Slate Truck, which will cost&nbsp;less than $20,000 after federal&nbsp;incentives, can seat two and has a 150-mile range on a single charge. The vehicle comes in a single shade of gray and lacks traditional features like paint, stereo, and touchscreen. Instead, the truck embraces a minimalist design with a focus on personalization.
According to the report <a href="https://www.theverge.com/electric-cars/655527/slate-electric-truck-price-paint-radio-bezos">by</a> Verge, the design of the truck allows for a low-cost manufacturing approach, which has reportedly caught the attention of major investors, including&nbsp;Jeff Bezos. The vehicle will be engineered and manufactured in the U.S., with the majority of the supply chain also based in the U.S.
The&nbsp;Slate Truck is designed to&nbsp;be highly customizable, enabling&nbsp;owners to personalize every aspect&nbsp;of the vehicle. The company intends to offer DIY kits for easy customization. The vehicle&#8217;s body panels are made of durable, scratch-resistant plastic, and the interior is designed for easy upgrading.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44354592/warren-buffett-backed-byd-eyes-germany-for-third-european-plant-amid-tariff-concerns-report">Warren Buffett-Backed BYD Eyes Germany For Third European Plant Amid Tariff Concerns</a>
Slate&#8217;s manufacturing process is significantly simplified by eliminating paint and metal body parts, potentially reducing production costs. The company plans to produce just one vehicle, in one trim, in one color, with upgrades added later.
Preorders for the Slate Truck are now open on Slate&#8217;s site, with deliveries&nbsp;expected to start in late&nbsp;2026.
Why It Matters: The introduction of the Slate Truck signifies a potential shift in the EV market towards affordability and customization. 
By stripping down to the basics and focusing on a minimalist design, Slate Auto is challenging traditional manufacturing processes and offering a unique product that stands out in the crowded EV market. 
This move could inspire other automakers to follow suit, leading to a broader range of affordable and customizable electric vehicles in the future.
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Image: Shutterstock/Marian Weyo

Revolutionary $20,000 Electric Truck Hits the Market, Stripping Down to the Basics

A new ETF is offering investors the chance to follow in the footsteps of one of the world&#8217;s most successful investors and earn income at the same time.
What Happened: The&nbsp;VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select&nbsp;Income ETF (OMAH) is now available for investment. It&nbsp;holds the top 20 most&nbsp;heavily weighted stocks in&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), including shares of Berkshire Hathaway itself. 
The ETF aims to generate an annual income of 15% by&nbsp;selling call options and distributing&nbsp;monthly payments of 1.25% to&nbsp;shareholders.
Currently, Berkshire Hathaway, which has seen a 17% return year-to-date, is the largest holding in the ETF, making up&nbsp;10.6% of the fund, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/26/warren-buffett-berkshire-top-stock-picks-new-etf-fund.html">reports</a> CNBC. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44601574/warren-doubles-down-on-japan-another-yen-bond-blitz-amid-growing-us-market-volatility">Warren Buffett Doubles Down On Japan: Another Yen Bond Blitz Amid Growing US Market Volatility</a>
Other&nbsp;significant holdings include&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>),&nbsp;American Express&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>),&nbsp;Kroger&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KR#NYSE">KR</a>),&nbsp;VeriSign&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>),&nbsp;Bank of America&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>),&nbsp;Citigroup&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>),&nbsp;Visa&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>) and&nbsp;Coca-Cola&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>).
This new ETF provides a unique opportunity for investors to emulate Buffett&#8217;s investment strategy and earn income at the same time. 
This is a feature that Berkshire Hathaway does not offer, as it is well-known for not paying a dividend. 
The ETF&#8217;s&nbsp;strategy of selling call options&nbsp;and distributing monthly payments to shareholders is designed to generate a steady income stream, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors.
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Image: Shutterstock

VRSN

Warren Buffett's Top Stock Picks Now Come With a 15% Income Bonus Through This Fund

The Social Security Administration is bringing back National Social Security Month this year for the first time since 2019. In a <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-04-22">statement </a>on April 22, Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek said the annual campaign — meant to help Americans access their benefits — was suspended during the pandemic and never resumed under the Biden administration.
Now, under the Trump administration, it's back, with a renewed focus on in-person service, extended outreach through August, and what Dudek calls "a return to the agency's roots."
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Alongside the announcement, Dudek criticized past <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43922143/warren-buffett-backtracks-on-dei-berkshire-hathaway-shareholder-letter-removes-diversity-mention">DEI efforts</a> — aligning with President Donald Trump's push to dismantle such policies, a campaign that has drawn backlash from critics who say it threatens fairness and accessibility in government.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dudek Points to DEI as a Root Cause of Delays</h2>
In his statement, Dudek claimed that under the previous administration, SSA became distracted by what he called "radical and wasteful DEI and gender ideology." He said these priorities, combined with extended telework arrangements, led to long wait times for customer service and delays in benefit decisions.
The SSA, according to Dudek, is now realigning with Trump's directive to make government "serve the people." That includes canceling contracts related to DEI initiatives, shifting remote employees back to in-person roles, and restructuring internal systems to prioritize direct customer service. The SSA states that these changes are projected to save the agency over $1 billion.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Controversial Shift in Priorities</h2>
While Dudek's comments reflect a broader push within the Trump administration to eliminate DEI policies across federal agencies, the public remains split. According to <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/04/23/tariffs-dei-and-cuts-to-government-views-of-trumps-key-actions/">Pew Research Center</a>, 53% of Americans disapprove of ending DEI efforts, while 44% support the move. Among Republicans over 50 — a key demographic for Social Security — approval rises to 84%.
Critics, including advocacy groups and some lawmakers, argue that targeting DEI as "wasteful" misrepresents its purpose. Dominique Hollins, founder of the DEI consulting firm WĒ360, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/22/us/dei-diversity-equity-inclusion-explained/index.html">CNN</a> that DEI programs are intended to create fair and inclusive workplaces, especially for communities historically left out of federal employment and services.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Concerns Remain Over Access and Staffing</h2>
Beyond the policy debate, concerns persist about whether the SSA can keep up with demand. SSA's new identity verification requirements — originally intended to improve security — were recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44585316/social-security-administration-relaxes-id-verification-rules-after-backlash-from-lawmakers-and-advocates">rolled back</a> after groups like AARP raised alarms. Many older adults and rural residents, they said, could be excluded if required to verify identities only in person or online.
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Staffing levels are also under scrutiny. While the Trump administration has said it won't cut <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44901238/even-missing-one-monthly-benefit-would-put-me-on-step-to-homelessness-americans-react-to-social-securitys-new-anti-fraud-rules">Social Security benefits</a>, the SSA has <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-02-28">announced plans</a> to reduce its staff by 7,000 employees.
Experts warn that fewer workers could mean longer delays — even if benefits stay intact. Pamela Herd, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, told <a href="https://time.com/7271888/social-security-under-trump-administration-elon-musk-concerns/">Time</a> that the real concern isn't whether benefits will be formally reduced, but whether the SSA will have the staff to "deliver the benefits that the Congress has mandated that they deliver."&nbsp;
She pointed to overwhelmed field offices and hours-long phone wait times as signs of a system buckling under pressure. "There&#8217;s a real disconnect between the statement, ‘I&#8217;m not going to cut benefits,' and in practice, what is going on in the agency," she said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>
As the SSA begins its 90th anniversary outreach campaign, the agency faces the challenge of restoring public trust while navigating polarizing reforms. Whether recent changes will improve service — or lead to further disruption — remains to be seen.
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Image: Shutterstock

SSA Acting Commissioner Says 'Wasteful DEI And Gender Ideology' Contributed To Poor Customer Service And Delayed Benefit Decisions

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Skylight Fuels Family-First Innovation with $50 Million of Financing From SG Credit Partners and Wingspire Capital

Blue Owl Capital Corporation Schedules Earnings Release and Quarterly Earnings Call to Discuss its First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 Financial Results

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