The dangerous prank involves people drinking or dumping seething water on themselves or someone else.
Day: August 9, 2025
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Custom – Windows – The Home Depot
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Chips and Semiconductors
In a bold move, President Donald Trump has declared a substantial 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors, a decision aimed at reshaping the U.S. manufacturing landscape. This announcement emerged during a live news conference alongside the unveiling of Apple’s $100 billion manufacturing plan in the United States, where Trump emphasized that companies willing to invest in U.S. production would be exempt from the tariff, reports 24brussels.
Trump articulated, “We’re going to be putting a very large tariff on chips and semiconductors, but the good news for companies like Apple is if you’re building in the United States or have committed to build without question in the United States, there will be no charge.” His comments underline a significant shift in trade policy, targeting semiconductor imports while encouraging domestic manufacturing.
The president further clarified that even a mere commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing could suffice to evade tariffs. “If you’ve made a commitment to build or you’re in the process of building, as many are, there is no tariff,” Trump stated. This approach raises questions about enforcement and accountability, as companies may face scrutiny regarding their actual investments.
Industry experts are assessing which companies might be adversely affected by this tariff, given that most major chipmakers already maintain some level of U.S. manufacturing commitment. Notably, Taiwan’s TSMC announced a $100 billion investment in U.S. facilities earlier this year, aligning with Trump’s manufacturing objectives.Trump’s emphasis on domestic production resonates amid ongoing global supply chain challenges.
However, ambiguity still surrounds the implementation of these tariffs. Previous threats to levy tariffs on chips have been softened, with many semiconductor products previously exempted from duties. As it stands, the timeline for the enactment of these new tariffs remains unclear, placing manufacturers in a state of uncertainty as they navigate potential trade implications.
AMD CEO Lisa Su highlighted that U.S.-made chips may carry a premium of 5% to 20%, further complicating the landscape for U.S. tech companies. The ramifications of Trump’s latest tariff proclamation could significantly influence the industry dynamics, prompting manufacturers to reconsider their supply chain and production strategies.
With tariffs set to take effect on August 7, industry stakeholders are positioned at a critical juncture, as Trump’s policies will not only shape the semiconductor market but also have broader implications for technological innovation and global competitiveness.
Moscow – A critical meeting is underway at the Kremlin between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Russian media. Witkoff’s arrival in Moscow on Wednesday coincides with the impending deadline set by Donald Trump for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine., reports 24brussels.
Envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit marks a last-ditch effort to facilitate a breakthrough in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He arrived just two days before Trump’s stipulated deadline for Russia to either accept a peace agreement or face heightened sanctions. During his visit, he met Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, as noted by Reuters.
What is Trump’s deadline for a Russian ceasefire?
The deadline mandates Russia to halt military operations in Ukraine by Friday or confront further sanctions. Trump indicated that if Russia does not act to terminate what he terms the “horrible war” against Kyiv, it may face significant or secondary sanctions targeting its trade partners. The White House has conveyed that outcomes from this meeting will inform any potential tougher sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that Russia’s aggression may not wane even if its financial resources diminish. He has, however, expressed optimism towards more rigorous US sanctions and tariffs aimed at nations importing Russian oil.
What progress have past peace talks achieved so far?
Witkoff’s current trip is his fifth to Moscow this year, reinforcing his role as President Trump’s special envoy in ongoing peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict. His previous discussions with Putin included a meeting in April 2025 focused on resuming direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Why did the Istanbul negotiations fail to end the war?
Recent peace talks held in Istanbul yielded no substantial progress towards ending the war. Although some agreements were reached, including the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war and the return of deceased soldiers, humanitarian negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire or settlement have stalled.
What are the key obstacles to a ceasefire deal?
Experts indicate significant divergences in the positions of both sides. Ukraine demands a complete and unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for any further discussions, while Russia seeks limited, short-term pauses, insisting on predetermined terms before any ceasefire or disarmament can be considered.
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