President Donald Trump remains undeterred in the face of potential price hikes in the auto industry in response to his new tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.



What Happened: On Saturday, Trump refuted claims that he had advised auto industry leaders against price increases in response to the new tariffs. Instead, he reaffirmed his decision to raise tariffs in an effort to boost American manufacturing.



&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars,&#8221; Trump stated in an interview <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-couldnt-care-less-automakers-raise-prices-tariffs-rcna198731">with</a> NBC News. He further expressed his anticipation for price increases, which he believes will steer consumers towards American-made vehicles.



Earlier this week, Trump declared a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars and auto parts, set to take effect from April 2. Countries such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea are predicted to be most affected by these tariffs.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44509009/over-7-million-vehicles-could-face-the-brunt-of-trumps-auto-tariff-this-could-drive-not-the-overall-economy-stric">Over 7 Million Vehicles Could Face The Brunt Of Trump&#8217;s Auto Tariffs: &#8216;This Could Drive&#8230;The Auto industry Into Recession&#8217;</a>



Trump confirmed these import policies are here to stay. &#8220;The world has been ripping&nbsp;off the United States for&nbsp;the last 40 years and&nbsp;more,&#8221; he declared. &#8220;And all we&#8217;re&nbsp;doing is being fair, and&nbsp;frankly, I&#8217;m being very generous.&#8221;



According to reports, if&nbsp;the tariffs are fully passed&nbsp;onto consumers, the average price of an imported vehicle could spike by $12,500. This could potentially fuel overall inflation. However, Trump pointed out that countries with &#8220;great value&#8221; resources might have room to negotiate lower prices.



Despite some resistance from lawmakers, Trump is convinced that this move will bring long-term benefits for the U.S. This announcement has already triggered significant investments in American plants by foreign companies, including&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>),&nbsp;Honda Motor Co., Ltd.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>), and&nbsp;Hyundai Motor Company&nbsp;(KRX: 005380).



Why It Matters: This decision by the President could reshape the auto industry, potentially leading to a shift in consumer behavior towards American-made vehicles. 



The move has already sparked investments from foreign companies in American manufacturing plants, indicating a possible boost to the domestic auto industry. 



However, the potential price hike and its impact on inflation will be a key factor to watch in the coming months.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44346155/trumps-tesla-shoutout-falls-flat-no-spike-in-orders-or-inventory-movement">Trump&#8217;s Tesla Shoutout Falls Flat — No Spike in Orders or Inventory Movement</a>

News

Politics

Markets

AAPL

Trump Unfazed by Potential Auto Price Hikes Amid New Tariffs: 'I Couldn't Care Less'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly been taking his wife to high-level foreign meetings where sensitive information was discussed.



What Happened: Hegseth brought Jennifer Hegseth to at least two meetings with foreign military leaders.



According to the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/hegseth-brought-his-wife-to-sensitive-meetings-with-foreign-military-officials-c16db0ea?mod=hp_lead_pos1">by</a> The Wall Street Journal, the meetings in question included one with UK Secretary of Defense John Healey on March 6, and a NATO meeting in Brussels in February. Jennifer Hegseth, a former Fox News producer, was present at both meetings where sensitive information regarding support for Ukraine was discussed.



While a&nbsp;secretary can invite anyone to&nbsp;meetings, attendees typically possess security clearances due to the sensitive nature of discussions. Jennifer Hegseth, who is not a Defense Department employee, has not confirmed whether she holds a security clearance.



"When you have meetings with ministers or high-level NATO officials, those meetings almost always include sensitive security conversations," former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, a Republican who served in the Obama administration, told the outlet.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43434159/defense-secretary-pete-hegseths-6m-earnings-revealednewly-sworn-in-defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-earned-nearly-6-million-over-the-past-two-years-from-his-fox-news-job-book-deals-and-spea">Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth&#8217;s $6M Earnings Revealed</a>



"If you are going to discuss top secret, national security issues, you have to be very selective. What's the relevancy of the person you are inviting?" he added. 



Some attendees at the meetings were reportedly unaware of Jennifer Hegseth&#8217;s identity, while others were surprised by her presence. It remains unclear whether her attendance impacted the discussions.



Current and former defense officials&nbsp;have stated that&nbsp;it is unusual for spouses&nbsp;to attend such meetings, raising questions about the appropriateness of Jennifer Hegseth&#8217;s presence.



Why It Matters: The presence of Jennifer Hegseth at these high-level meetings raises serious questions about the security protocols in place. It is not common practice for spouses, who do not hold official positions or security clearances, to be present at such meetings where sensitive information is discussed. 



This incident has sparked a debate about the professional boundaries within the Defense Department and the potential risks associated with breaching these boundaries.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44348262/trump-musk-and-democrats-get-low-marks-on-economy-in-nbc-poll">Trump, Musk, and Democrats Get Low Marks on Economy in NBC Poll</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Defense Secretary Hegseth Under Fire for Bringing Wife To High-Level Security Meetings

The past week in the world of business and finance was nothing short of eventful. From the FBI stepping in to address violent protests against&nbsp;Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) to&nbsp;Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>)&nbsp;making strategic moves in the EV sector, there was no shortage of headlines. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.



FBI Steps Up Against Tesla Protests



In response to escalating violent attacks involving Tesla, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated a new task force. FBI Director Kash Patel, who labeled the attacks as &#8220;domestic terrorism,&#8221; addressed the issue on social media.



<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44474423/fbi-launches-task-force-to-address-tesla-protests-director-kash-patel-condemns-violence-as-domestic-terrorism">Read the full article here.</a>



Rivian&#8217;s Micromobility Spin-Off



Rivian Automotive announced the spin-off of its micromobility business into a new entity, Also, Inc. The news was well-received by the market, with Rivian&#8217;s shares experiencing a boost post-announcement.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44494216/rivian-doubles-down-on-ev-innovation-with-micromobility-spin-off-stock-gains">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/03/44509379/boeing-lockheeds-vulcan-rocket-aimed-to-rival-spacexs-falcon-9-cleared-for-us-security-missions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing-Lockheed's Vulcan Rocket Aimed To Rival SpaceX's Falcon 9 Cleared For US Security Missions</a>



Experts Dispute Tesla Vandalism Claims



Claims by Elon Musk and Donald Trump that recent attacks on Tesla properties are part of a coordinated effort have been dismissed by law enforcement agencies and experts. A report by NBC News revealed no evidence of such coordinated efforts.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44455245/tesla-vandalism-no-coordinated-efforts-detected-experts-dispute-elon-musk-and-trumps-allegations">Read the full article here.</a>



Ford&#8217;s Manual Shift in EVs



Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>)&nbsp;has filed a patent for a manual shift in electric vehicles, sparking conversations in the EV sector. The company has a history of filing patents for its electric vehicles and technology.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44484646/ford-patent-filing-for-manual-shift-in-evs-will-car-owners-appreciate-the-legacy-stick-shift-efforts">Read the full article here.</a>



Waymo&#8217;s Parking Fines



Alphabet&#8216;s Waymo autonomous vehicles have racked up fines totaling $65,065 in San Francisco for traffic violations, including obstructing traffic and parking in restricted zones.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44530904/waymos-robotaxis-rack-up-600-parking-tickets-65000-in-fines-in-just-san-francisco-in-2024">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44507598/elon-musk-warns-of-significant-impact-on-tesla-due-to-trumps-auto-tariffs-the-cost-impact-is-not-trivial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Warns Of ‘Significant' Impact On Tesla Due To Trump's Auto Tariffs: ‘The Cost Impact Is Not Trivial'</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Tesla



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Tech

RIVN

TSLA

FBI Targets Tesla Protests, Rivian's Micromobility Spin-Off, And Waymo's Parking Fines: This Week In Mobility

The past week was filled with significant developments, from oil and gas executives expressing their frustration with President Donald Trump&#8217;s drilling policies to Vice President JD Vance raising security concerns over Greenland. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.



Oil and Gas Executives Challenge Trump&#8217;s Drilling Agenda



Leaders in the oil and gas industry expressed their dissatisfaction with President Trump&#8217;s drilling policies, according to a quarterly survey released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Trump&#8217;s campaign promise to bring down prices through increased domestic drilling has not sat well with energy executives who are seeking more stability.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/03/44522105/oil-and-gas-executives-rebuke-trumps-drill-baby-drill-agenda-we-want-more-stability">Read the full article here.</a>



JD Vance Questions Denmark&#8217;s Ability to Protect Greenland



Vice President JD Vance has voiced concerns over Denmark&#8217;s ability to safeguard Greenland, suggesting that the U.S. could provide better security. During a visit to the U.S. military base at Pituffik in Greenland, Vance emphasized the strategic importance of the Arctic territory and criticized Denmark&#8217;s lack of resources to protect the region from potential threats.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44549976/jd-vance-slams-denmark-for-not-keeping-greenland-safe-from-russian-chinese-incursions-we-can-make-them-much-more-secure">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44508234/ontario-premier-doug-ford-supports-retaliatory-tariffs-amid-us-auto-levy-inflict-as-much-pain-as-possible">Ontario Premier Doug Ford Supports Retaliatory Tariffs Amid US Auto Levy: &#8216;Inflict As Much Pain As Possible&#8217;</a>



Trump and Canadian PM Mark Carney&#8217;s Productive Dialogue



President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney engaged in a productive conversation last Friday. This marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Carney assumed leadership of Canada's ruling Liberals on March 9. Trump expressed optimism about future collaborations on Truth Social.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44549872/trump-says-he-had-an-extremely-productive-call-with-canadian-pm-mark-carney-amid-heightened-us-canada-tensions">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Hits New Low



President Trump&#8217;s approval rating has hit a new low since his January inauguration. Despite high approval ratings in the early weeks of his presidency, Trump&#8217;s popularity has since declined, with Americans expressing dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/03/44505859/trumps-approval-rating-hits-new-low-since-inauguration-americans-unhappy-with-presidents-handling-of-economy">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Administration Officials Face Lawsuit Over Signal Leak



National security leaders from the Trump administration are facing a lawsuit alleging that they used the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss military operations, potentially violating the Federal Records Act. The lawsuit was initiated by American Oversight, a watchdog organization.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44485684/trump-administration-officials-face-lawsuit-over-signal-leak-war-planning-doesnt-belong-in-emoji-laden-disappearing-group-chats">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/03/44509379/boeing-lockheeds-vulcan-rocket-aimed-to-rival-spacexs-falcon-9-cleared-for-us-security-missions">Boeing-Lockheed&#8217;s Vulcan Rocket Aimed To Rival SpaceX&#8217;s Falcon 9 Cleared For US Security Missions</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Oil Execs Challenge Trump's Drilling Agenda, JD Vance Criticizes Denmark, And More: This Week In Politics

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.



U.S. stock markets declined this week amid escalating trade tensions and inflation concerns. The S&amp;P 500 fell 2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 2.7%, marking one of the worst weeks in recent years.



President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts contributed to market volatility. Automotive stocks were notably impacted; General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) tumbled over 7%, and Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) slid 3.9%. Conversely, electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) edged up 0.4%, as their U.S.-based production is less affected by the tariffs.



Beyond the auto sector, economic indicators added to investor unease. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, rose 0.4% in February, bringing the annual rate to 2.8%, above the Fed's 2% target. Additionally, consumer spending data fell short of expectations, exacerbating fears of economic slowdown amid President Trump's tariff policies.



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/long-ideas/25/03/44512999/chevron-hits-52-week-high-warren-buffetts-5th-largest-holding-is-on-fire-but-should-you-buy">"Chevron Hits 52-Week High: Warren Buffett's 5th Largest Holding Is On Fire — But Should You Buy?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) hit a 52-week high as rising oil prices and Warren Buffett's ongoing support strengthened investor confidence.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44515782/microsoft-halts-expansion-plans-yet-analysts-still-rank-it-among-top-investment-picks">"Microsoft Halts Expansion Plans, Yet Analysts Still Rank It Among Top Investment Picks"</a>, by Anusuya Lahiri, explains why analysts remain bullish on Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) despite the tech giant pausing major data center expansions amid concerns of AI overcapacity.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/upgrades/25/03/44477982/carvana-analyst-says-its-time-to-buy-the-potential-amazon-of-auto-retail">"Carvana Analyst Says It's Time To Buy The Potential ‘Amazon Of Auto Retail'"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas upgraded Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight, raising the price target from $260 to $280, citing the company's potential to dominate auto retail akin to Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44504468/concentrix-shares-pop-on-strong-q1-results-raised-revenue-guidance">Concentrix Shares Pop On Strong Q1 Results, Raised Revenue Guidance</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44517249/stock-of-the-day-will-the-move-higher-in-sysco-continue">Stock Of The Day – Will The Move Higher In Sysco Continue?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44460563/tesla-jumps-10-on-china-fsd-optimism-tariff-easing-hopes">Tesla Jumps 10% On China FSD Optimism, Tariff Easing Hopes</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44500068/novo-nordisk-stock-sinks-to-52-week-lows-weight-loss-boom-losing-steam">"Novo Nordisk Stock Sinks To 52-Week Lows: Weight Loss Boom Losing Steam?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) shares have plunged 44% year-over-year, hitting a 52-week low amid investor concerns over competition from Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and the company's recent $2 billion acquisition of rights to a Chinese obesity drug.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44513787/nike-stock-hits-52-week-lows-is-the-sneaker-king-losing-its-step">"Nike Stock Hits 52-Week Lows: Is The Sneaker King Losing Its Step?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, shows Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) tumbling to a 52-week low as slowing sales in China and rising competition challenge the global sneaker giant's dominance.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44475805/homebuilders-kb-home-lennar-cut-prices-as-homebuyer-demand-has-slowed-materially">"Homebuilders KB Home, Lennar Cut Prices As Homebuyer Demand Has Slowed Materially"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that KB Home (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBH#NYSE">KBH</a>) and Lennar Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) are reducing home prices and offering incentives as elevated mortgage rates have significantly dampened buyer demand.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44517020/ev-maker-mullen-automotive-to-further-cut-costs-and-slash-workforce">EV Maker Mullen Automotive To Further Cut Costs And Slash Workforce: Details</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44465410/snow-white-disappoints-at-box-office-will-remake-hurt-disneys-marvel-magic-in-2025">‘Snow White' Disappoints At Box Office: Will Remake Hurt Disney's Marvel Magic In 2025?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/offerings/25/03/44511664/why-is-teslas-chinese-rival-nio-stock-diving-today">Why Is Tesla's Chinese Rival NIO Stock Diving Today? (UPDATED)</a>







Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

AMZN

CVNA

MSFT

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Chevron, Microsoft, Nike — And Tariffs Have Automotive Sector Reeling

The past week has been eventful for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with significant leadership changes, new product features, and challenges on multiple fronts. The tech giant has been making moves to strengthen its position in the market and address emerging issues. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories from the weekend.



Apple Promotes Vanessa Trigub in Major Retail Executive Move



Apple is reportedly reshuffling its leadership, promoting Vanessa Trigub to the newly created position of vice president of stores and retail operations. This move is seen as part of Apple&#8217;s long-term succession planning for senior vice president Deirdre O&#8217;Brien.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44509405/after-siri-leadership-change-apple-makes-another-major-executive-move-in-retail-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Watch Update: Alarms to Ring in Silent Mode



The upcoming watchOS 11.4 update will introduce a much-requested feature to the Apple Watch, allowing alarms to sound even when Silent Mode is on. This could be a game-changer for heavy sleepers.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44468709/apple-watch-update-will-allow-alarms-to-ring-in-silent-mode-enough-to-wake-up-heavy-sleepers">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44508234/ontario-premier-doug-ford-supports-retaliatory-tariffs-amid-us-auto-levy-inflict-as-much-pain-as-possible">Ontario Premier Doug Ford Supports Retaliatory Tariffs Amid US Auto Levy: &#8216;Inflict As Much Pain As Possible&#8217;</a>



iPhone 18 to Feature 2nm A20 Chip from Taiwan Semiconductor



Apple&#8217;s forthcoming iPhone 18 lineup is expected to be powered by Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. Co. Ltd.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) 2nm A20 chip, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This could give the iPhone 18 series a significant performance boost.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44453733/apples-iphone-18-to-get-massive-boost-with-2nm-a20-chiptsmcs-yields-surge-past-70-says-top-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Faces Siri AI Crisis, Security Flaws, and China Sales Woes



The past week has been a rollercoaster for Apple, with the company facing challenges ranging from internal turmoil to security oversights. Amid these issues, CEO Tim Cook is reportedly making strategic changes to revive the struggling Siri assistant.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44449789/apples-siri-ai-crisis-security-flaws-and-china-sales-woes-this-week-in-appleverse">Read the full article here.</a>



Tim Cook Bets on Mike Rockwell to Revive Siri



In a bid to revive the struggling Siri assistant, CEO Tim Cook has reportedly moved Mike Rockwell into a new leadership role overseeing Siri. This move comes amid mounting pressure from investors and competitors.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44429160/apple-stock-down-over-12-this-year-now-tim-cook-is-reportedly-betting-on-vision-pros-mike-rockwell-to-fix-siri-after-losing-confidence-in-ai-boss-john-giannandrea">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/03/44509379/boeing-lockheeds-vulcan-rocket-aimed-to-rival-spacexs-falcon-9-cleared-for-us-security-missions">Boeing-Lockheed&#8217;s Vulcan Rocket Aimed To Rival SpaceX&#8217;s Falcon 9 Cleared For US Security Missions</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Apple Shakes Up Leadership, Introduces New Features, And Faces A Siri Crisis: This Week In Appleverse

As the week wraps up, the tech world has been abuzz with exciting news and developments. From CoreWeave Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) much-anticipated IPO to Elon Musk&#8217;s massive acquisition, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on. Here&#8217;s a quick look at the top stories that made headlines.



CoreWeave&#8217;s IPO and Revenue Concentration



AI cloud infrastructure company, CoreWeave Inc., backed by Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), made its public market debut last Friday. CEO Michael Intrator defended the company&#8217;s client concentration, attributing it to &#8220;mind-bendingly large deals&#8221; with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and OpenAI. Intrator believes that the skepticism overlooks the company&#8217;s long-term growth potential.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44549825/nvidia-backed-coreweaves-ceo-defends-microsoft-openai-revenue-concentration-due-to-mind-bendingly-large-deals">Read the full article here.</a>



Elon Musk&#8217;s $33 Billion Acquisition



In a significant move, Elon Musk&#8217;s AI startup xAI acquired his social media company X, formerly Twitter, in an all-stock deal valued at $33 billion. The combined entity is now reportedly worth $80 billion.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44549314/elon-musk-acquires-his-own-social-media-platform-x-through-xai-in-33-billion-deal-says-combined-entity-now-worth-80-billion">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44508234/ontario-premier-doug-ford-supports-retaliatory-tariffs-amid-us-auto-levy-inflict-as-much-pain-as-possible">Ontario Premier Doug Ford Supports Retaliatory Tariffs Amid US Auto Levy: &#8216;Inflict As Much Pain As Possible&#8217;</a>



Microsoft&#8217;s Wake-Up Call



Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has urged his teams to match the speed and impact of China&#8217;s DeepSeek, which launched a top-ranking AI product on the App Store with a team of just 200 engineers. Nadella&#8217;s call to action came during an internal employee town hall last month.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44529954/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-admits-chinas-deepseek-was-a-wake-up-call-tells-employees-its-time-to-build-real-products-not-just-research-thats-the-new-bar-to-me">Read the full article here.</a>



Huawei&#8217;s AI Chip Advancements



Despite US sanctions, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has warned that Huawei Technologies Co. is becoming the &#8220;single most formidable technology company&#8221; in China. The Chinese tech giant has reportedly doubled its AI chip yields to 40%.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44488569/chinas-huawei-reportedly-doubles-ai-chip-yields-to-40-now-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-warns-that-the-chinese-tech-giant-is-the-most-formidable-competitor-despite-us-sanctions">Read the full article here.</a>



Google&#8217;s Most Intelligent AI



Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google unveiled Gemini 2.5 Pro, its most intelligent AI model ever. The new model is designed to pause and think before answering complex questions. Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared the development on X.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44487389/sundar-pichai-shows-off-googles-most-intelligent-ai-ever-with-a-dinosaur-video-game-that-even-you-could-make-with-a-simple-prompt">Read the full article here.</a>



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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

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CoreWeave IPO, Elon Musk'x xAI Acquires X, Microsoft's Wake-Up Call, China's Huawei Makes Advances, And More: This Week In AI

The past week in the financial world was nothing short of eventful. From Ripple&#8217;s legal victory to GameStop&#8217;s new Bitcoin strategy, there was no shortage of intriguing developments. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.



XRP&#8217;s Legal Win: A Boost Amid Stablecoin Surge



Despite Ripple Labs&#8217; recent legal victory over the SEC, where it agreed to a reduced penalty of $50 million, experts are divided on whether XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) can benefit from the current stablecoin rally. Ripple&#8217;s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, announced that the SEC would return $75 million, pending final court and commissioner approval. However, the question remains whether this win will position XRP favorably in the stablecoin market.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44515982/xrp-may-not-benefit-from-stablecoin-surge-analysts-say-despite-ripples-regulatory-win">Read the full article here.</a>



Peter Schiff Questions Bitcoin Demand



Gold advocate Peter Schiff has once again criticized Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), questioning the source of its current demand. Schiff pointed out two major factors driving Bitcoin&#8217;s demand: Michael Saylor&#8217;s relentless Bitcoin purchases for Strategy and speculators betting on strategic reserves.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44477525/peter-schiff-says-bitcoin-demand-fueled-by-michael-saylor-speculators-betting-on-strategic-reserve">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44529187/elon-musk-says-tesla-doesnt-need-lidar-because-people-dont-shoot-lasers-out-of-their-eyes-yet-his-ev-company-quietly-spent-over-2-million-on-the-technology-in-2024-as-china-takes-global-lead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says Tesla Doesn't Need Lidar Because ‘People Don't Shoot Lasers Out Of Their Eyes' After YouTubers Put His Cars Through Wylie E. Coyote Tests</a>



Robinhood&#8217;s &#8216;Schwab for Everyone&#8217; Vision



Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) is making strategic moves to capture a portion of the $114 trillion wealth transfer heading toward younger, tech-savvy investors. Bernstein analysts have praised Robinhood&#8217;s latest offerings, calling it &#8220;Schwab elite banking for everyone,&#8221; highlighting the platform&#8217;s shift towards higher-end financial services.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44521466/robinhood-reinvents-private-banking-with-schwab-for-everyone-vision-says-bernstein">Read the full article here.</a>



Crypto.com&#8217;s SEC Clearance Boosts Native Token



Crypto.com&#8217;s native token, Cronos (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">CRO</a>), saw a significant surge after the company announced that the SEC would not take any enforcement action against it. The company&#8217;s CEO, Kris Marszalek, confirmed the closure of the SEC&#8217;s investigation, leading to a 12% increase in the token&#8217;s value.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44528803/trump-media-partner-cryptocom-announces-end-of-sec-enforcement-action-native-token-soars-12">Read the full article here.</a>



GameStop&#8217;s Bitcoin Strategy Gets Cramer&#8217;s Approval



GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) received praise from influential market commentator Jim Cramer for its newly announced Bitcoin treasury strategy. Cramer expressed his approval on social media, stating that GameStop is finally implementing the Bitcoin strategy he had previously advocated for.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44487309/jim-cramer-applauds-gamestop-for-acting-on-his-bitcoin-ploy-as-apex-crypto-barely-moves-after-his-remark">Read the full article here.</a>



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44429586/tesla-stuns-with-surprise-late-evening-all-hands-meeting-elon-musk-says-hang-on-to-your-stock-touting-7-million-evs-optimus-robot-and-ai-supercomputer-dojo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says ‘Hang On To Your Stock&#8217; In Surprise Late-Evening Tesla All-Hands Meeting — Touts 7 Million EVs, Optimus Robot, And AI Supercomputer Dojo</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Cryptocurrency

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Ripple's Legal Win, Bitcoin Demand, Robinhood's Banking Vision, And Gamestop's Bitcoin Strategy: This Week In Crypto

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the financial world. From President Donald Trump&#8217;s controversial auto tariffs to the Federal Reserve&#8217;s stance on inflation, the market has been buzzing with activity. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories that shaped the week.



Trump&#8217;s Auto Tariffs Stir Concern



President Trump&#8217;s announcement of a 25% tariff on auto imports has caused a stir among economists and market analysts. The tariffs, set to take effect on April 3, aim to boost domestic auto manufacturing but could trigger significant market disruption. Prominent economists like Peter Schiff have warned that the tariffs will increase car prices and potentially put upward pressure on interest rates.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44506717/trumps-25-auto-tariff-raises-will-cast-shadow-on-interest-rates-says-economist-tesla-investor-gary-black-says-president-found-further-ways-to-push-the-economy-into-recession-today">Read the full article here.</a>



Federal Reserve&#8217;s Inflation Stance Questioned



Economist Craig Shapiro has accused the Federal Reserve of "gaslighting the public," after the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Tom Barkin, said that inflation is not "de-anchored". Barkin acknowledged that the U.S. economy has been through a significant inflationary period.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44533707/federal-reserve-is-gaslighting-the-public-warns-expert-as-richmond-fed-president-says-inflation-expectations-have-loosened-not-de-anchored">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44529187/elon-musk-says-tesla-doesnt-need-lidar-because-people-dont-shoot-lasers-out-of-their-eyes-yet-his-ev-company-quietly-spent-over-2-million-on-the-technology-in-2024-as-china-takes-global-lead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says Tesla Doesn't Need Lidar Because ‘People Don't Shoot Lasers Out Of Their Eyes' After YouTubers Put His Cars Through Wylie E. Coyote Tests</a>



Gold Hits Record High



Gold has reached another record high, and renowned economist Peter Schiff attributes this to declining trust in the U.S. dollar and the certainty of inflation exceeding 2%. Schiff, a well-known critic of U.S. monetary policy and an advocate for gold, expressed his views on the recent surge in gold prices.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44512448/as-gold-hits-record-high-peter-schiff-points-to-dollar-distrust-and-inflation-gold-is-not-rising-due-to-uncertainty">Read the full article here.</a>



US GDP Growth Upwardly Revised



Economic data released Thursday morning showed a marginal upward revision to U.S. gross domestic product growth for the fourth quarter of 2024, alongside a narrower but still historically high goods trade deficit for February. The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, up from the previously estimated 2.3.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44513963/us-gdp-growth-upwardly-revised-in-q4-trade-deficit-slightly-narrows-as-auto-exports-soar-in-february">Read the full article here.</a>



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44429586/tesla-stuns-with-surprise-late-evening-all-hands-meeting-elon-musk-says-hang-on-to-your-stock-touting-7-million-evs-optimus-robot-and-ai-supercomputer-dojo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says ‘Hang On To Your Stock&#8217; In Surprise Late-Evening Tesla All-Hands Meeting — Touts 7 Million EVs, Optimus Robot, And AI Supercomputer Dojo</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Trump's Tariffs, Fed's Inflation Stance, Gold's Record High, And GDP Growth: This Week In Economy

Risk sentiment deteriorated sharply in the second half of the week after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported automobiles, compounding concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44506717/trumps-25-auto-tariff-raises-will-cast-shadow-on-interest-rates-says-economist-tesla-investor-gary-black-says-president-found-further-ways-to-push-the-economy-into-recession-today">about rising inflationary pressures.</a>



On Wednesday evening, the White House revealed plans to impose a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44517885/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-autos-what-it-means-for-your-next-car-purchase">25% tariff on auto imports,</a> in addition to a set of reciprocal tariffs expected to be unveiled next week. The administration cited national security risks as the justification for the measures, which may also extend to auto parts by May.



The policy shift sent shockwaves across the automotive industry. Michigan-based giants General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) posted steep losses in the wake of the announcement. In contrast, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) — both of which manufacture all their vehicles domestically — proved more resilient.



According to Goldman Sachs estimates, the tariffs could push vehicle prices up by $5,000 to $15,000, adding significant cost <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44515578/trumps-25-tariff-set-to-hike-imported-car-prices-up-to-15000-higher-goldman-sachs-warns">pressure on American consumers.</a>



The market impact didn't stop at autos. Broader sectors were also dragged lower amid fears Trump could escalate trade tensions next week with key commercial partners, especially as the U.S. trade deficit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44513963/us-gdp-growth-upwardly-revised-in-q4-trade-deficit-slightly-narrows-as-auto-exports-soar-in-february">remains near record highs.</a>



Tariff tensions are now bleeding into inflation data. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge — the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index — rose 2.8% year-over-year in February, surpassing expectations of 2.7%. The unexpected acceleration further complicates the Federal Reserve's case for near-term rate cuts.



But the worst surprise came Friday. The University of Michigan's consumer survey revised inflation expectations even higher. Americans now expect inflation to average 4.1% over the next five years, up 0.2 percentage points from earlier estimates and the highest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44537936/consumer-inflation-expectations-skyrocket-in-march-hit-highest-levels-in-32-years">level since February 1993.</a>



Overall consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level since November 2022, as households grow increasingly uneasy about the labor market outlook.



Amid the prevailing uncertainty, gold reaffirmed its status as a safe-haven asset, climbing to new record highs by week's end.



Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44524354/us-debt-to-explode-past-world-war-ii-highs-threatens-growth-for-decades-cbo-says">Congressional Budget Office delivered</a> another wake-up call: there&#8217;s no end in sight to America's growing debt burden. The national debt is projected to surpass its World War II peak by 2029, and soar to 156% of GDP by 2055 — with no signs of slowing thereafter.



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Photo: janews via Shutterstock

Trump's 25% Auto Tariffs Rattle Wall Street, Fed's Favorite Inflation Gauge Surges, Consumer Price Worries Rocket: This Week In Markets

Concerns about the future of Social Security have been growing among Americans, especially those nearing retirement. On a recent <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/suze-school-how-much-do-you-know-about-social-secu">episode</a> of her "Women &amp; Money" podcast, Suze Orman addressed these fears head-on, offering her perspective on potential changes to the system — including the likelihood that the full retirement age could increase to 70.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Full Retirement Age Could Rise to 70</h2>



Orman didn't hold back when discussing the possibility of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44498325/gonna-be-some-upset-seniors-at-town-halls-says-mark-cuban-he-calls-doge-social-security-actions-a-back-door-move-to-cut-payments">changes to Social Security</a>. &#8220;I have no doubt that they&#8217;re going to raise the full retirement age, possibly to 70 from 67,&#8221; she said. This wouldn't be unprecedented — in 1983, the FRA was raised from 65 to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Orman stated that any increase in the FRA would likely apply to future retirees rather than those already receiving benefits.



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Orman also suggested that the age for collecting delayed retirement benefits, which currently max out at 70, could be extended to 73. This would give future retirees a longer window to maximize their monthly Social Security checks by delaying their claims.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tax Changes Could Be Part of the Solution</h2>



In addition to adjusting the FRA, Orman said that changes to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43831371/eliminating-social-security-income-taxes-would-cost-1-5-trillion-and-deplete-the-trust-fund-by-2032-who-wins-and-who-loses">Social Security taxes</a> could help stabilize the system. Currently, only income up to $176,100 is subject to Social Security payroll taxes. Orman suggested removing this cap altogether, so high earners would continue contributing to Social Security on all of their income.



&#8220;They should just make that unlimited, that you all pay Social Security tax no matter how much money you make,&#8221; Orman said. Increasing the taxable income threshold or eliminating it could help address Social Security's long-term funding challenges.



Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Advice for Future and Current Retirees</h2>



While Orman advised listeners not to panic, she did recommend taking a few steps to stay prepared:



<ul>
<li>Request and Keep Your Social Security Statements – Orman advised keeping printed records of your Social Security statements. Having a physical copy can help ensure you have access to your earnings and benefits history, even if online records are lost or unavailable.</li>



<li>Get Familiar with the System – Orman stressed the importance of understanding how Social Security works. Knowing the ins and outs of claiming benefits, spousal benefits, and survivor benefits can help retirees make informed decisions.</li>



<li>Prepare for Reduced Access to In-Person Help – Orman acknowledged that the Social Security Administration has been cutting staff and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44476775/mark-cuban-we-all-want-to-eliminate-corruption-but-what-corruption-do-social-security-office-closures-actually-solve">closing offices</a>, which could make it harder to get assistance. She recommended having a trusted family member or friend available to help navigate the system online if needed.</li>
</ul>



See Also: 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>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outlook on Social Security's Future</h2>



While Orman's comments reflect widespread concerns about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44427073/larry-fink-says-the-u-s-needs-a-social-security-plan-where-every-american-can-grow-with-our-economy">Social Security's sustainability</a>, she reassured listeners that existing benefits are not currently at risk. However, future adjustments — such as raising the FRA or increasing the taxable income threshold — seem likely as lawmakers look for ways to strengthen the program.



&#8220;Stop worrying about it right now,&#8221; Orman said, while adding that retirees should gain all the knowledge they can on Social Security in order to protect themselves.&nbsp;



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Personal Finance

'I Have No Doubt They're Going To Raise The Full Retirement Age, Possibly To 70' Suze Orman Weighs In On Social Security Fears

Warren Buffett doesn't flaunt it. He's not the type to show off his billions with a private island or 24-karat shoelaces. He still lives in the Omaha <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43612207/warren-buffett-has-lived-in-his-31500-home-for-67-years-and-calls-it-one-of-his-best-investments-but-warned-a-house-can-be-a-nightmare">house he bought for $31,500 in 1958</a>. Orders the same McDonald's breakfast. Plays bridge online. And yet—every once in a while—the Oracle of Omaha drops a flex so enormous it makes you question the entire economy.



"If I wanted to, I could hire 10,000 people to do nothing but paint my picture every day for the rest of my life."



That's the version most people know, reported by <a href="https://harpers.org/archive/2010/01/the-church-of-warren-buffett/">Harper's Magazine in 2010</a>. Classic Buffett: deadpan, a little absurd, and sneakily insightful. But in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/05/is-warren-buffett-a-terrible-person/17800/">The Atlantic</a> a year earlier, they printed an expanded version of the same quote — one with more teeth.



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Buffett explained he doesn't feel guilty about having money. What he feels is awareness. His wealth is, as he put it, "an enormous number of claim checks on society"—pieces of paper he could trade in for anything. Including 10,000 personal portrait artists. That spending would technically boost GNP. It would create jobs. It would register as growth. But the value? Zero.



Worse, it would pull those 10,000 people away from doing something useful—like teaching, nursing, or, say, researching a cure for cancer.



Back then, it sounded like a clever thought experiment. Now? It hits a little differently.



Today, entire industries revolve around work that's arguably just as decorative. Consultants hired to advise other consultants. Influencers selling productivity hacks they copied from other influencers. AI bots creating content for other AI bots to "engage" with. There's more movement than ever—but are we actually getting anywhere?



Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a>



Buffett's portrait-painting analogy is a gut check: not everything that counts as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43975331/warren-buffett-paid-5-billion-in-taxes-and-says-if-800-other-companies-paid-their-share-no-one-else-would-have-to-pay-a-dime">economic activity creates real value</a>.



Sure, those 10,000 painters would earn a paycheck. The GNP would get a bump. But in the end, we'd just be left with a warehouse full of Buffett portraits and a very weird museum exhibit. Nothing society needs—just money moving in a circle.



And this isn't about judging jobs. It's about questioning incentives. Buffett was pointing out how easy it is to mistake busywork for progress when the system is built to reward volume over substance.



"Inactivity strikes us as intelligent behavior," he once wrote, in the <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/1996.html">1997 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder letter</a>.&nbsp;



See Also: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>



Buffett made billions sitting in a quiet room reading annual reports, while the rest of the world sprinted in circles. Inactivity, in his case, wasn't laziness—it was discipline. Focus. A refusal to chase the noise. And it worked.



He could've had anything. Instead, he chose to think.



That's the paradox that still echoes today: The man with enough wealth to do everything chose to do less—because he understood what real value looks like. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41866296/with-warren-buffett-donating-99-of-his-fortune-whats-left-for-his-three-children-well-its-complicated">Not just in dollars, but in impact</a>.



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Warren Buffett Once Said He Could Hire 10,000 People to Paint His Face—And It Might Be the Most Brutal Economic Truth You'll Hear All Day

Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director, predicts a political tumble for Vice President JD Vance, suggesting that President Donald Trump is increasingly discontented with him.



What Happened: Scaramucci, who had a brief stint as Trump&#8217;s communications director, made these predictions in an interview with CNN. He indicated that Vance&#8217;s close emulation of the president could be a &#8220;mistake,&#8221; and that Trump might not appreciate the &#8220;obsequiousness&#8221; of Vance&#8217;s behavior.



"He's not the president, and whether you like the president or dislike the president, he has the following. He has the rizz for his team, MAGA. JD Vance hasn't proven that. I think it's probably annoying to the president that he's over-modeling him. You know, people mistake this about Trump. I don't think he likes the obsequiousness stuff," Scaramucci said. 



These remarks from Scaramucci followed Vance&#8217;s visit to Greenland, a territory that has piqued Trump&#8217;s interest for acquisition from Denmark. During this visit, Vance criticized Denmark&#8217;s management of Greenland&#8217;s security, a comment made at a time when the U.S. alone has proposed taking over the territory, even contemplating military action.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Slams Donald Trump: ‘He&#8217;s Going To Put Us Into A Recession, Frankly&#8217;</a>



&#8220;I think at the at the end of the day, I predict that JD Vance will go the way of Mike Pence here. The president will make him more irrelevant. He'll do things to Vance that will compromise his position. He doesn't like the attention that Vance is giving. And you should ask your sources why he went on that trip," he added. 



Scaramucci continued to forecast that Trump will make Vance &#8220;irrelevant,&#8221; similar to former Vice President Mike Pence. He also labeled Vance&#8217;s Greenland visit as &#8220;embarrassing,&#8221; in the wake of the administration&#8217;s inability to secure a warm reception from the Greenlanders for the U.S. delegation.



Why It Matters: The growing tension between Trump and Vance could have significant implications for the administration and its policies. Vance&#8217;s criticism of Denmark&#8217;s handling of Greenland&#8217;s security, at a time when the U.S. is the only country proposing to take over the territory, has already stirred controversy. 



If Scaramucci&#8217;s predictions hold true, this could mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the Trump administration, potentially impacting future policy decisions and the U.S.&#8217;s international relations.



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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44348205/scaramucci-sees-trouble-ahead-for-musk-trump-relationship-everyone-flames-out-with-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scaramucci Sees Trouble Ahead for Musk-Trump Relationship: ‘Everyone Flames Out With Trump'</a>

Scaramucci Says Trump Is Souring on VP Vance: 'The President Will Make Him More Irrelevant'

Elon Musk's father, Errol Musk, is not losing sleep over protests and vandalism targeting Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>). In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWSloIuYNJ0">interview</a> on &#8220;The Andrew Eborn Show,&#8221; the elder Musk dismissed the backlash as good for business.



&#8220;Publicity. More publicity, free publicity,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You don&#8217;t have to go to the newspapers and pay £500,000 [$645,000] for adverts or anything like that. You&#8217;re getting [publicity] all the time.&#8221;



Errol added that when critics resort to vandalism, the public ultimately remembers the brand. &#8220;If scumbags do things like that to you, you become the hero and they just remain scumbags. What people remember is the name Tesla.&#8221;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stock Drop? &#8216;All the Stocks Have Come Down&#8217;</h2>



When asked about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44466839/more-bad-news-for-elon-musk-as-top-analyst-forecasts-stock-price-falling-by-as-much-as-50">Tesla's recent dip in stock price</a>, Errol downplayed the concern, calling it a natural part of market cycles.



&#8220;All the stocks have come down,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This is cyclical. People push their stocks. There are tricks of the trade, and everything is moving the stocks up and down.&#8221;



He also claimed that Elon doesn't stress about stock prices. &#8220;As Elon says, he never looks at stocks,&#8221; Errol noted.



Errol brushed off the idea that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44466170/why-the-hate-and-violence-against-me-elon-musk-questions-backlash-says-hes-only-made-products-people-love-never-physically-hurt-anyone">Elon takes criticism personally</a>, saying it&#8217;s all part of being in the spotlight. &#8220;Being attacked or being lauded, it&#8217;s sort of the same coin, just different sides,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The whole thing in life is to be noticed.&#8221;



Trending: This startup is on the brink of a huge disruption to a $654 billion industry – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/venhub-adv">invest in it for under $10 before it's too late</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Privilege, Politics, and Petrol</h2>



Errol has been more visible in the media lately, offering up stories about Elon's childhood and family dynamics. In a separate interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5WyTw0oXDs">Vlad TV</a>, he said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44420385/they-werent-like-other-kids-errol-musk-says-elon-and-his-siblings-only-rode-in-rolls-royce-cars-flew-private-and-skied-in-europe">Elon and his siblings &#8220;only rode in Rolls-Royce cars&#8221;</a> and learned to ski in Europe before the age of 10. &#8220;They weren&#8217;t like other kids,&#8221; he said.



He also shared that the Musk family has a foundation that supports relatives financially, including his ex-wife. When Errol faced steep medical bills, Elon and Kimbal Musk stepped in to help.



Elon even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43771853/elon-musk-didnt-always-get-along-with-his-fatherbut-last-year-he-bought-him-a-luxury-car-that-wasnt-a-tesla">bought him a Bentley Flying Spur</a>. Although the original idea was to send a Tesla, Errol turned it down due to South Africa&#8217;s limited infrastructure for electric vehicles.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>



Despite their rocky relationship—Elon has publicly called his father a &#8220;terrible human being&#8221;—Errol said things aren't as bad as they seem. He claimed Elon recently asked about his memecoin venture, Musk It, and invited him to the launch of Starship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Just Tell Him To Get Lost&#8217;</h2>



In an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omwLYoAUg18">interview</a> with the U.K&#8217;s LBC Radio, Errol also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44438884/elon-musks-father-says-people-dont-have-to-listen-to-what-elon-says-just-tell-him-to-get-lost">addressed the controversy around Elon's outspoken opinions</a>, especially about the U.K.



&#8220;People don&#8217;t have to listen to what he says,&#8221; Errol said. &#8220;Just tell him to get lost.&#8221;



He acknowledged that Elon's status as a billionaire might give his words more weight, but emphasized that many people are saying similar things. &#8220;Hundreds of thousands of people are tweeting the same things or saying the same things as he is,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;



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Elon Musk's Father Says Tesla Vandalism And Protests Are Just 'Free Publicity.' Claims, 'All The Stocks Have Come Down,' Not Just Tesla

Cryptocurrency markets have plummeted on Friday, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44542821/inflation-will-accelerate-in-coming-months-if-april-2-tariffs-take-effect-economist-warns">following renewed inflation fears</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$83,620.45</td><td>-4.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$1,879.34</td><td>-6.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td>$129.23</td><td>-7.1%</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$2.17</td><td>-7.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.1798</td><td>-6.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00001320</td><td>-6.6%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume decreasing by 4.9%. Daily active addresses are up by 2.6%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are down from 9,796 to 8,936 in a single day. Exchanges netflows are down by 61.5%.</li>



<li>Coinglass data reports 149,848 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $443.51 million.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44531654/trumps-sec-pick-paul-atkins-says-his-top-priority-will-be-rational-crypto-regulations-marking-shift-from-gary-genslers-approach">Trump&#8217;s SEC Pick Paul Atkins Says His &#8216;Top Priority&#8217; Will Be &#8216;Rational&#8217; Crypto Regulations, Marking Shift From Gary Gensler&#8217;s Approach</a></li>



<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44534582/galaxy-digital-to-pay-200-million-in-terra-luna-settlement-with-new-york-attorney-general">Galaxy Digital To Pay $200 Million In Terra-LUNA Settlement With New York Attorney General</a></li>



<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44529016/bitcoin-options-worth-over-12-billion-set-to-expire-on-fridayheres-why-you-should-watch-out-for-volatility">Bitcoin Options Worth Over $12 Billion Set To Expire On Friday: Market Volatility Looming Large?</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44529423/kazakhstan-lawmaker-calls-on-govt-to-create-a-national-crypto-bank">Kazakhstan Lawmaker Calls on Gov&#8217;t to Create a &#8216;National Crypto Bank&#8217;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44528205/japanese-game-developer-gumi-to-hold-106k-btc-lottery-for-shareholders">Japanese Game Developer Gumi to Hold $106k BTC Lottery for Shareholders</a></li>
</ul>



Top Losers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Curve DAO Token CRYPTO: CRV)</td><td>$0.5075</td><td>-13.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Sonic (CRYPTO: S)</td><td>$0.5349</td><td>-12.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Bonk (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">BONK</a>)</td><td>$0.00001209</td><td>-12.5%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Bitcoin investor Ted Pillows <a href="https://x.com/TedPillows/status/1905639814231113898">highlights</a> a bullish falling wedge on BTC's chart, though he warns of a potential dip to $74,000 before any rebound. He believes a weekly close above $89,000 would confirm a bullish breakout.



Altcoin Sherpa notes that Bitcoin compression at current levels could lead to either massive gains or steep losses. Historically, a big BTC move in either direction tends to drag altcoins up or down by 20%, making the upcoming price action &#8220;interesting.&#8221;



<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">This type of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> compression usually leads to either riches or ruin. Big move in either direction sends shitcoins + or &#8211; 20% either way. Going to be interesting to see this in the coming days&#8230; <a href="https://t.co/LPhN8ncAag">pic.twitter.com/LPhN8ncAag</a>&mdash; Altcoin Sherpa (@AltcoinSherpa) <a href="https://twitter.com/AltcoinSherpa/status/1905337288030368102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Roman Trading <a href="https://x.com/Roman_Trading/status/1905634937438363677">warns</a> that Bitcoin is undergoing a bearish breakdown and retest. He reiterates that recent price action has been bearish, not bullish, and targets $70,000 as a key level for a potential long position.



More Crypto Online <a href="https://x.com/Morecryptoonl/status/1905682174910832753">describes</a> Bitcoin&#8217;s price action as &#8220;still quiet&#8221;, noting that a clear bottom won't be in place unless BTC reclaims $85,640. He expects further downside over the weekend, potentially forming a wave 4 drift lower.



Read Next:&nbsp;



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Image: Shutterstock

$BONK

$DOGE

$ETH

$SHIB

$SOL

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Plunge As Inflation Fears Pick Up Again

Mark Cuban is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44476775/mark-cuban-we-all-want-to-eliminate-corruption-but-what-corruption-do-social-security-office-closures-actually-solve">calling out the federal government</a>—and he's not holding back.



In a <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3lkqq3pgofk2n">blunt post on BlueSky</a>, the billionaire investor said what many seniors may soon be thinking:



"The administration is removing phone support for [Social] Security recipients. Making it more difficult for seniors to get their checks. It's a back door way to cut SS benefits. Horrific."



Cuban's frustration comes in response to a sweeping overhaul of Social Security operations by Elon Musk and the Department for Government Efficiency. The agency says it's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44484549/mark-cuban-on-doge-government-cuts-this-isnt-a-corporate-turnaround-this-is-the-united-states-of-america">cracking down on fraud</a>, citing claims that tens of millions of deceased individuals are still receiving payments.



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But Cuban, along with a growing number of critics, says the so-called "efficiency" push is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43592816/social-security-beneficiaries-have-every-reason-to-be-alarmed-by-musks-access-to-u-s-department-of-treasury-payment-system">less about fraud prevention</a> and more about slashing support while pretending it's reform.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Phone, No Office, No Check?</h2>



Among the most controversial moves: eliminating phone support and shutting down dozens of Social Security offices. In short, if seniors want to access their benefits, they'll need to go online.



That sounds fine—until you consider the reality: many elderly Americans don't have reliable internet access, don't use smartphones, and wouldn't know where to begin with a benefits portal. Some don't even have transportation to reach the nearest Social Security office—especially now that so many are being shut down.



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What happens to a 78-year-old who lives alone and can't get to the next county just to ask a question in person? Or someone who's never sent an email being asked to upload income documents online just to keep their check?



"Make Grandma and Grandpa finally get online to confirm their payments," Cuban wrote sarcastically <a href="https://x.com/mcuban/status/1902418507901628602">in a post on X</a> last week, expressing concern over the topic. "Gotta give Doge credit for being the first to cut entitlements," he said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Digital Wall Around Benefits?</h2>



Supporters of the changes say digitizing the system is long overdue. DOGE claims this is about eliminating "waste" and stopping fraud, but for those on the outside looking in, it feels like a digital wall around one of the country's most important safety nets.



See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>



Cuban's warning taps into the growing fear that this isn't just red tape—it's intentional.



"What an amazing back door way to cut payments!" he posted. "Gonna be some upset seniors at town halls!"



This isn't just about a phone line or an office location. It's about access. It's about whether the people who paid into the system their entire lives can still get what they were promised—without being forced to navigate apps, websites, or lengthy bus rides just to stay afloat.



Whether DOGE sees this as progress or not, one thing's clear: Cuban isn't buying it. And neither will the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44153127/will-social-securitys-restructuring-impact-your-monthly-benefits-heres-what-to-know">millions of seniors</a> who suddenly find themselves locked out of the system—digitally, physically, and financially.



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Mark Cuban Says Closing Social Security Offices and Ending Phone Support Is Just A 'Back Door Way' to Cut Benefits—Calls It 'Horrific' for Seniors

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