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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tucker Carlson, Ted Cruz get in heated back and forth over Iran
Tucker Carlson and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) got into a fiery exchange on Tuesday over the senator's support for President Trump and his posturing toward Israel in its escalating conflict with Iran. The conservative media personality on Tuesday released a clip from the interview — set to be released in full on Wednesday — in which he grills Cruz on details about Iran and its demographic makeup. When Cruz does not know the answers Carlson is seeking, the host blasts the senator for failing to know the details of 'the country you seek to topple.' 'How many people live in Iran, by the way?' Carlson asked. 'I don't know the population,' Cruz responded. 'At all?' 'No, I don't know the population,' Cruz said. 'You don't know the population in the country you seek to topple?' Carlson retorted. When Cruz asked Carlson the same question back, the journalist responded quickly: '92 million,' adding, 'How could you not know that?' 'I don't sit around memorizing population tables,' Cruz responded. The conversation grew increasingly heated from there, as Carlson argued the numbers are 'kind of relevant because you're calling for the overthrow of the government.' 'Why is it relevant whether it's 90 million or 80 million or 100 million — why is that relevant?' Cruz responded before pushing back against Carlson's suggestion that he doesn't 'know anything about the country.' Carlson then offered another trivia question: 'What's the ethnic mix of Iran?' Cruz said the country is Persian and 'predominantly Shia,' at which point Carlson cut in, asking, 'What percent?' The two men then began shouting over each other. 'Okay, this is cute-' Cruz said when Carlson cut him off to say, 'You don't know anything about Iran.' 'So, I'm not the Tucker Carlson expert on Iran-,' Cruz said. 'You're a senator who's calling for the overthrow of a government, and you don't know anything about the country,' Carlson said, shouting over the senator. 'No, you don't know anything about the country,' Cruz shot back. 'You're the one who claims they're not trying to murder Donald Trump. You're the one who can't figure out if it was a good idea to kill General Soleimani, and you said it was bad.' Carlson pushed back on Cruz's initial claim, saying, 'No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying you don't believe they're trying to murder Trump.' 'Yes, I do,' Cruz exclaimed, cutting in. 'Because you're not calling for military strikes against them in retaliation,' Carlson said, suggesting Cruz would be if he 'really' believed they were trying to kill the president. When Cruz retorted that 'we are carrying out military strikes today,' Carlson pressed the senator on his use of the word 'we.' 'You said Israel was,' Carlson said to which Cruz clarified that the U.S. is supporting Israel's efforts but that Israel is carrying out the strikes. 'You just said 'we' were,' Carlson said. 'This is high stakes. You're a senator. If you're saying the United States government is at war with Iran right now, people are listening.' The Hill has reached out to Cruz's office for additional comment. Carlson, a long-time supporter of the president's, has found himself at odds with the commander-in-chief over their conflicting viewpoints on the best approach in the Middle East. After Israel launched a missile offensive against Iran last week, Carlson called Trump 'complicit' in the escalation and warned the president's legacy was on the line depending on 'what happens next.' Carlson has for years been a critic of Republican leaders, diplomats and others who have advocated for military intervention in the Middle East. He last week railed against so-called 'warmongers,' including his former colleagues at Fox and those in the party who he says are nudging Trump toward a needless war. 'The real divide isn't between people who support Israel and people who support Iran or the Palestinians,' Carlson wrote on social media last week. 'The real divide is between those who casually encourage violence, and those who seek to prevent it.' But Trump hit back, telling reporters, 'I don't know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it so that people listen.' The president went a step further later on Monday, dubbing the former prime time host turned internet commentator, 'kooky Carlson' and insisting 'IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,' in a post on his Truth Social account. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Travel Weekly
09-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Senate proposal to slash Brand USA's budget sparks industry concerns
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation proposed cutting Brand USA's budget from $100 million to $20 million as part of an effort to reduce deficits by more than $40 billion over a decade and "rescind more than $1.4 billion in wasteful spending." Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the committee, unveiled the legislative directives as part of the budget reconciliation bill process. Cruz said the revised budget's "provisions fulfill the mandate given to President Trump and congressional Republicans by the voters: to unleash America's full economic potential and keep her safe from enemies." The U.S. Travel Association said it is "deeply concerned" about the proposal, saying it would "significantly impact every sector of our industry." "U.S. Travel continues to advocate strongly to both the White House and Congress," the association said. "As the reconciliation process moves forward, Congress must align with the President's budget and fully fund Brand USA. With $2.9 trillion in economic output and over 15 million American jobs at stake, the travel industry cannot afford to be overlooked." The Travel Tech Association also issued a statement about the proposed cut, saying, "Congress must fully fund the Travel Promotion Fund and maintain strong support for Brand USA." "With the U.S. set to host the 2026 World Cup, America250 and the 2028 Olympics, the global spotlight is firmly on the U.S. travel industry," said Laura Chadwick, CEO of the Travel Technology Association. "The Senate's proposal to cut funding to the Travel Promotion Fund risks weakening America's tourism industry at this critical moment. Our members play a critical role in connecting travelers to local communities. We understand how tourism -- and Brand USA's work -- drives billions in spending in the U.S., supporting local jobs and businesses, and fueling economic growth in every state. We should not be pulling back, but leaning in. Congress must act to keep tourism strong for Americans and our national economy." Brand USA is funded by a portion of the Electronic System Travel Authorization fees that are collected from international travelers. The proposed cuts come a time when the U.S. is on track to welcome 5.1% fewer inbound international travelers this year, according to Tourism Economics, down from an initial projection of 8.8% growth. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates the U.S. will lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025. Adam Burke, CEO of Los Angeles Tourism, said that in the face of these concerning statistics, the industry needs to "really lean in to support Brand USA." "In advance of the World Cup and Olympics, this is an economic imperative," he said. "We've lost $100 million in terms of our service exports because of the downturn in tourism since the pandemic. And we desperately need to reclaim that share." "People need to understand what a significant driver" Brand USA has been, Burke said.
Buzz Feed
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
GOP Pushes Life Month As LGBTQ Protections Fade
Senators Todd Young (Ind.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) are leading Republican efforts to brand June as 'Life Month' during the already celebrated Pride Month, which honors the achievements and culture of the LGBTQ+ community. 'Every human life is worthy of protection, and it is especially incumbent upon Americans and lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable among us,' Cruz said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) June 3, 2025 @SenTedCruz / Via According to Young's statement introducing the resolution, 'Life Month' is meant to 'recognize the dignity of human life, commends those who promote life, and encourages policymakers to continue providing resources to empower women and families to choose life.' While the senators did have 11 other months they could designate as 'Life Month,' they said the resolution marks June as the anniversary of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Cruz and Young's pitch rings similar to Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller's resolution, which suggested fully replacing 'Pride Month' with 'Family Month.' repmarymiller / Via Under his administration, President Donald Trump has erased or altered Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pages focused on the risks of suicide among LGBTQ children, school safety, and health disparities. ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP via Getty Images He has also signed executive orders that declared it official U.S. policy that there are only two sexes, male and female, and banned people with gender dysphoria from military service. Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images Earlier this week, Trump's Department of Education also formally declared June as 'Title IX Month.' On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, which honors the slain LGBTQ+ rights icon. This move reportedly was intentionally made during Pride Month. A total of 26 Republican senators co-sponsored the resolution, including Alabama's Tommy Tuberville and South Carolina's Lindsey Graham. 'If we are going to dedicate entire months to recognizing every group under the sun, the least we can do is dedicate June to protecting unborn babies,' Tuberville said on X. If we are going to dedicate entire months to recognizing every group under the sun, the least we can do is dedicate June to protecting unborn babies. I will ALWAYS stand for life, and I'm proud to join @SenTedCruz. — Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 4, 2025
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk Says Humanoid Robots Will Start Impacting Countries' GDPs In 4 To 5 Years. 'Robot Cars' Even Sooner—In Just 1 To 2 Years
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk is doubling down on his belief that artificial intelligence and robotics will reshape the global economy—and soon. 'Accelerating GDP growth is essential,' Musk posted on X on May 23. He claimed that the U.S. government's overspending could result in a financial crisis unless there's a massive jump in productivity. He did, however, mention that the Department of Government Efficiency 'has and will do great work to postpone the day of bankruptcy of America.' Don't Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — The X post came in response to someone wondering whether 'Elon has somewhat moved away from politics in order to accelerate GDP growth with humanoid robots' after another person wrote that 'Given the disastrous GOP bill, the only chance the US has is explosive GDP growth.' When asked how soon humanoid robots could start affecting 'the GDP of any country,' Musk replied, '4 to 5 years.' He added that 'robot cars' using Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, could have a 'noticeable effect' within one to two years. In an interview with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in March, Musk said that within 10 years, 'AI could probably do anything better than the human can cognitively,' and predicted a future where humanoid robots are as common as personal assistants. 'Ultimately, there will be tens of billions,' he said. He also predicted that 90% of all miles driven could be autonomous within a decade. 'Goods and services will become close to free,' Musk told Cruz. 'It's not that people will have a lower standard of living, they'll have actually a much higher standard of living.' Trending: Earlier this month, Musk showcased Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump during a demonstration in Riyadh. The robots even danced to 'YMCA.' 'I think they were very impressed,' Musk said at a Saudi economic forum. He also joked that one of the robots performed the 'Trump dance.' Musk envisions a world where humanoid robots are everywhere, calling them personal versions of 'Star Wars' robots C-3PO or R2-D2. He believes robotics could create an economy '10 times the size of the current global economy' and result in 'universal high income.' Still, challenges remain. During a recent Tesla earnings call, Musk admitted that supply chain issues—including China's export restrictions on rare earth magnets—are slowing down Optimus some experts have questioned Musk's timelines regarding FSD. AI pioneer Yann LeCun, for instance, accused Musk last year of lying for years about the capabilities of Tesla's FSD technology. In September, he posted on X, 'Elon: 'I've kept lying to you again and again about Tesla's 'Full Self Driving' capabilities for the last 8 years, but you should believe everything I say about politics and everything else.'' LeCun was responding to an article by Green Hills Software CEO Dan O'Dowd, who called Musk a 'snake oil salesman' for failing to deliver promised features like 'Actually Smart Summon.' Musk, however, continues to press forward, making it known he believes AI and robotics aren't just the future—they're the last hope to prevent economic collapse. He also recently confirmed that Tesla is on track to rollout fully-autonomous vehicles in Austin, Texas, in June. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Elon Musk Says Humanoid Robots Will Start Impacting Countries' GDPs In 4 To 5 Years. 'Robot Cars' Even Sooner—In Just 1 To 2 Years originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Is Ramaphosa in trouble? US Secretary of Marco Rubio calls out SA
Rubio claimed South Africa is undermining American security interests. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump would not join a meeting of G20 leaders in South Africa in November, stressing that Pretoria has been 'consistently unaligned' with US policy. Rubio's comments came a day before President Cyril Ramaphosa meets with Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Agenda Ramaphosa arrived in Washington on Monday afternoon with his delegation for a working visit to the US amid tensions between the two countries. The highly anticipated meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump has been confirmed for 5:30 pm (Central African Time) on Wednesday at the White House. While the Presidency did not share an agenda for the talks, Ramaphosa and Trump are expected to discuss several issues, including members of the US administration snubbing the G20 meetings, aid cuts, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, South Africa's International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel and 'strengthening ties with Iran, which supports terrorism globally'. WATCH Marco Rubio speaking about South Africa US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump would not join a meeting of G20 leaders in South Africa in November, stressing that Pretoria has been 'consistently unaligned' with US policy. Vid: @SenTedCruz #DonaldTrump #CyrilRamaphosa #MarcoRubio @TheCitizen_News May 21, 2025 ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Fear not' Ramaphosa says, as Johann Rupert and Ernie Els expected to join Trump meeting American interests Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rubio claimed South Africa is undermining American security interests. 'We chose not to participate in this year's G20 hosted by South Africa either at the foreign minister level or the president's level, and it had a lot to do with some of these issues, in addition to some of the issues they brought on their agenda, which we don't think reflect the priorities of this administration,' Rubio said. 'So the president of South Africa is here today because he says he endeavours to reset relations between our countries and President Trump. If someone says that it is always going to be open to resetting relations, but it will have to touch on some of the issues just pointed out now. 'Obviously, the position they've adopted towards Israel is not just off balance, but completely geared towards one side, and it makes one wonder about these allegations that are out there now of foreign influence, including with Iran. They are clearly on the global stage, and multiple multinational organisations have consistently been a vote against America's interests time and again,' Rubio said. 'Zelensky-style ambush' There is speculation about how the meeting will go, with fears Ramaphosa is walking into a 'Zelensky-style ambush', referring to the viral clash that took place when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House in February. Ramaphosa told journalists in Washington that he was hoping for 'really good' discussions with Trump and his administration. 'I'm looking forward to a really good and positive meeting, and we're looking forward to a very good outcome for our country, for our people, for the jobs in our country and good trade relations and [normalising] relations between our two countries.' Foreign policy Ramaphosa said he will also clarify South Africa's policy positions on a range of pressing geopolitical matters. 'We are going to have an opportunity to discuss geopolitical issues, not only Israel, but also Ukraine. So all these matters will be on the table for proper discussion, and we are very rational when it comes to discussing global and geopolitical matters. 'We will put South Africa's interests first, and our own foreign policy positions will be well clarified. So fear not,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa vs Trump: Here's what you need to know
