Deep Dive
Why did General Motors decide to scrap its Cruise Robotaxi program?
GM scrapped the program after nearly a decade and $10 billion in development, citing rising competition and the high costs and time needed to scale the business.
What is Donald Trump's plan for speeding up approvals for large construction projects?
Trump plans to expedite approvals and permits, including environmental approvals, for any person or company investing $1 billion or more in the U.S.
How does the Republican majority in the House and Senate affect Trump's agenda?
The Republican majority is very slim, with a 220 to 215 margin in the House, meaning they can lose no more than two votes to pass their agenda.
What are some potential bipartisan issues in Trump's agenda?
Permitting reform for large projects has garnered bipartisan support, and there could be alliances on issues like clean energy projects and certain tax reforms.
What is the main priority for Republican leaders in Congress?
Border security is the top priority, with a focus on mass deportation and installing walls, which differs from previous bipartisan approaches.
How does Trump's approach to border security differ from past bipartisan efforts?
Trump wants mass deportation and walls, which is more aggressive than the bipartisan deals that focused on immigration reform and border security measures.
What is the significance of isotopic testing in supply chains?
Isotopic testing helps companies like Shein and Patagonia identify the origin of materials, ensuring compliance with laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans goods from Xinjiang due to forced labor concerns.
What is the current status of GM's ownership in Cruise?
GM owns about 90% of Cruise and plans to buy out the remaining investors, combining Cruise and GM's tech teams to focus on autonomous and assisted driving.
What challenges could Trump face in implementing his permitting reform plan?
Legal challenges, the need for congressional approval, and potential court battles could complicate Trump's efforts to bypass permitting and environmental rules.
What is the expected impact of the 2017 Trump tax cuts on the upcoming tax reform?
The 2017 tax cuts expire at the end of 2025, and while some elements may gain bipartisan support, cuts aimed at businesses or the wealthy could face opposition due to their cost and impact on the deficit.
- Andrew Ferguson appointed FTC chair, succeeding Lina Khan
- Mark Medder nominated as FTC commissioner
- Potential shift in FTC approach to mergers and tech companies
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