Trump to announce Apple’s $100 billion boost in U.S. manufacturing investments

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce that Apple Inc. will invest an additional $100 billion in American manufacturing over the next four years — a major win for the country’s economy and national security.

The announcement, expected on Wednesday, marks a significant expansion of Apple’s domestic operations, raising its total planned investment in the United States from $500 billion to $600 billion. The move also includes the direct hiring of 20,000 American workers.

“Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the commitment, stating: “We’re proud to increase our investments across the United States to $600 billion over four years and launch our new American Manufacturing Program. This includes new and expanded partnerships with 10 U.S. companies that produce components used in Apple products sold worldwide.”

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The tech giant’s decision comes amid mounting trade tensions, as Trump continues to push for reshoring of manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains. Apple, which heavily relies on global suppliers and assembles most of its products in China, has been in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff policies.

Earlier this year, Cook warned that the proposed tariffs could cost Apple as much as $900 million in a single fiscal quarter. To mitigate the impact, Apple has ramped up production in countries like India — a move Trump has publicly criticized.

During a recent event in Qatar, Trump recalled telling Cook: “I don’t want you building in India.” On the same day as Apple’s announcement, Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50%, citing the country’s purchase of Russian oil.

In a bid to avoid the financial hit from these tariffs, Apple reportedly shipped up to 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S. earlier this year, according to Reuters.

Apple’s expanded U.S. investment also includes a $500 million deal with MP Materials, the operator of America’s only rare earths mine. The partnership aims to expand a Texas factory that will produce vibration magnets for iPhones using recycled materials.

Speaking on a recent investors call, Cook stressed Apple’s growing domestic footprint: “There’s a load of different things done in the United States.” He pointed to the iPhone’s glass displays and Face ID modules as examples of components already made in the U.S.

“We’re doing more in this country,” Cook added. “We already produce roughly 19 billion chips in the U.S. and we plan to do even more.”

Despite the ongoing trade challenges and investor concerns over Apple’s delayed entry into artificial intelligence, the company’s latest earnings report exceeded expectations. Surging iPhone sales helped drive a strong financial quarter, causing Apple’s stock to jump over 5% on Wednesday.

With this $100 billion boost, Apple’s commitment signals a strong push toward strengthening America’s tech manufacturing sector, aligning with Trump’s “America First” economic agenda.

Trump announces U.S.-Russia meeting ahead of Ukraine ceasefire deadline

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a meeting between the United States and Russia for Wednesday.

“We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday, adding: “We’re going to see what happens.”

The meeting is set to take place just days ahead of a deadline Trump has given Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. president did not provide further details, including who would attend the meeting.

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On Sunday, Trump had said he planned to send his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Russia in the middle of the week.

Trump has said he intends to impose sanctions if the deadline – set to expire on Friday – passes without result.

The measures are intended to target countries that buy Russian oil and gas in order to restrict Moscow’s ability to finance its war in neighbouring Ukraine.

The U.S. president had already announced on Monday his intention to raise tariffs on India due to its continued trade with Moscow.

He did not specify the exact tariff rate. (dpa/NAN)

Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What you should know about the condition

The White House has confirmed that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a circulatory condition where veins struggle to return blood from the legs back to the heart.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the diagnosis on Thursday while addressing recent concerns over swelling in Trump’s legs and visible bruising on his hand.

According to a medical memo released by the president’s physician, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the 79-year-old former president noticed mild swelling in his lower legs, prompting a full medical evaluation. Tests revealed the presence of CVI, which Dr. Barbabella described as “benign” and common in adults over the age of 70.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency affects 10% to 35% of U.S. adults and occurs when veins—usually in the legs—fail to efficiently transport blood back to the heart. The condition often leads to leg swelling, and in some cases, varicose veins, discomfort, or venous ulcers, which are sores that heal slowly.

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Dr. Prakash Krishnan, director of endovascular services at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, explained that age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing are key risk factors. The veins in the legs work against gravity using one-way valves and muscle contractions to circulate blood. When valves weaken or leak, blood pools, leading to pressure and vein enlargement.

Common Treatments

Doctors usually begin treatment with non-invasive methods, such as:

  • Compression stockings to improve blood flow.
  • Leg elevation (30 minutes, 3 times a day).
  • Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and exercise.

In more severe cases, patients may undergo:

  • Sclerotherapy, a procedure that collapses faulty veins using a chemical injection.
  • Laser or heat treatments to seal the affected veins and reroute blood through healthier ones.

Additional Findings and Trump’s Health Status

The White House also addressed the bruising on Trump’s hand, which Dr. Barbabella attributed to frequent handshaking and the regular use of aspirin—a medication he takes for heart health.

As part of the full checkup, Trump underwent blood tests and an echocardiogram, all of which came back normal, showing no signs of cardiac, kidney, or systemic problems.

President Trump remains in excellent health,” Dr. Barbabella concluded.

‘Trump plans large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday’

…Administration to send 100 to 200 officers to city on day two of new presidency

The administration of united president elect Donald Trump’s is reportedly planning to launch a large immigration raid in Chicago the day after he takes office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing four people familiar with planning.

The raid, expected to start on Tuesday, would last all week, the newspaper said, adding that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) would send between 100 and 200 officers to carry out the operation.

Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. But a source with knowledge of the incoming administration’s plans said Ice would intensify enforcement across the country and there would not be a special focus on Chicago or surge of personnel there.

“We’re going to be doing operations all across the country,” the person said. “You’re going to see arrests in New York. You’re going to see arrests in Miami.”

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Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, told an event in Chicago that the administration was “going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois”, the Journal reported.

“And if the Chicago mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us, if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien, I will prosecute him,” he was quoted as saying.

Immigration was at the center of Trump’s campaign in the lead-up to the 5 November presidential election.

“Within moments of my inauguration, we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” Trump said in January 2024.

Trump is expected to mobilize agencies across the US government to help him deport record numbers of immigrants, Reuters has reported, building on efforts in his first term to tap all available resources and pressure so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions to cooperate.

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