Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump urged the Senate to pass the Clarity Act for cryptocurrency legislation, honoring the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump stressed its importance in preventing China from dominating digital assets and AI. While supported by crypto firms, the bill faces hurdles, including ethical concerns and banking industry reservations. Graham was not a primary driver of this specific bill, which was led by Senators Scott and Lummis.

President Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on goods from any country imposing digital services taxes on U.S. companies. This move highlights the growing international dispute over taxing the digital economy. Trump argues these taxes unfairly target American tech giants and has signaled a willingness to retaliate, potentially impacting global trade. The legality of such unilateral tariffs remains uncertain.

The G7 summit in France will address geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine. Discussions will also focus on the future of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, with invitations extended to AI leaders like OpenAI’s Sam Altman. President Trump’s “America First” approach may contrast with European efforts on inequality and multilateralism, potentially leading to frank discussions. The summit aims for unified action on global security and economic challenges, with AI regulation being a key point of divergence between the U.S. and Europe.

The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge’s ruling that blocked a controversial $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The judge found the fee constituted an unauthorized tax, exceeding the executive’s authority. This move highlights a legal conflict over immigration policy and the executive branch’s power to impose significant financial burdens without congressional consent, potentially impacting the H-1B program’s future.

Sam Bankman-Fried, convicted founder of FTX, has formally petitioned former President Donald Trump for a pardon. The request, filed for consideration after his sentence completion, is documented on the U.S. Department of Justice’s Pardon Attorney website. Bankman-Fried is serving a 25-year sentence for defrauding FTX customers of billions. Trump previously stated he had no intention of pardoning Bankman-Fried. The White House and Justice Department have declined to comment.

A planned executive order on AI was canceled, ostensibly to maintain U.S. tech leadership over China. However, industry lobbying, particularly from figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, appears to have been a key factor. The proposed order featured voluntary security reviews, but industry concerns about hindering innovation prevailed. This decision highlights a regulatory vacuum in the U.S. and contrasts with China’s proactive approach to AI governance. The incident underscores the significant influence of industry leaders on U.S. AI policy.

President Trump postponed a planned executive order regulating AI, citing concerns it could hinder U.S. leadership in the field, especially against China. He emphasized the need to avoid blocking AI’s rapid advancement and benefits. The order aimed to allow government pre-evaluation of AI models for security. This decision highlights the ongoing debate between fostering innovation and managing AI risks.

President Trump made significant investments in AI and defense tech companies like Palantir and Nvidia in early 2026. Financial disclosures show hundreds of millions invested, including substantial Palantir shares shortly before public praise. Investments also targeted Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and others, reflecting a focus on tech innovation for defense and commercial use. The Trump Organization stated investments are managed by independent third parties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to broaden economic opportunities for American CEOs visiting with President Trump, stating “the door to business in China will open wider.” Tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Tim Cook attended the banquet. Amidst geopolitical tensions, the summit also addressed the strategic importance of AI, with discussions on cooperation in AI safety protocols, even as the US maintains restrictions on certain AI technologies for China.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined President Trump’s U.S.-China summit delegation in Beijing after a personal invitation. Huang’s late addition highlights the critical role of technology and its supply chains in U.S.-China trade discussions. The summit focuses on opening China’s market to American businesses, with technology leaders like Huang, Elon Musk, and Tim Cook present to leverage private sector expertise. Huang expressed optimism about the summit’s potential for constructive dialogue and a stronger bilateral partnership.