Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Calls for Full Fed Audit

After describing U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as “a good public servant,” Bessent reiterated his call for a full internal review of the central bank’s operations. Should the Fed Face a Full Audit? Bessent Thinks So Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. Federal Reserve is spiraling out of control and needs a full

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Financial Expert Calls XRP a Generational Opportunity, But…

Prominent digital asset commentator Coach JV has reignited debate within the cryptocurrency community by asserting that XRP remains one of the most undervalued investment opportunities today. In a recent social media post, he warned that many investors may one day regret failing to recognize XRP’s long-term potential. Calls for Financial Reevaluation Coach JV encouraged his audience to reconsider how they allocate their financial resources, contrasting consumer spending with investment behavior. According to him, it is common for individuals to spend large sums, sometimes over $100,000, on luxury goods and lifestyle choices intended to signal status, while hesitating to place even a modest amount into emerging technologies or digital assets such as XRP. He argues that this disconnect is not a question of affordability, but one of priority. In his view, the reluctance to invest in potentially transformative assets stems from a lack of financial discipline or foresight rather than a lack of means. XRP will be the greatest missed opportunity of our lifetime. Men will drop $100,000 on a lifted truck to impress strangers… But won’t invest $1,000 into an asset that could change their family’s future. America doesn’t have a money problem. We have a priority problem. — Coach, JV (@Coachjv_) July 19, 2025 XRP’s Long-Term Potential Within his commentary, Coach JV emphasized that XRP still offers significant upside, even after recent price gains. At the time of his comments, XRP had climbed to over $3.50. Despite this, he and other supporters maintain that the token is still trading below its perceived value, particularly when measured against Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. The argument among XRP advocates is that the token could play a central role in the future of cross-border payments and financial infrastructure, and that this utility could eventually be reflected in its market valuation. Coach JV also pointed to his earlier predictions as evidence of XRP’s growth. He recalled sharing similar views in 2020 when XRP was significantly cheaper. Since then, he noted, the token has multiplied in value, and he expects those who dismissed it at the time may now regret not taking action. Moving forward, he believes XRP could deliver further returns over the coming years. Mixed Views from the Crypto Community Reactions to Coach JV’s message have varied. Some crypto users, such as X commentator Schultzy, agreed with his underlying point about the lack of financial literacy. Schultzy highlighted that many people are never taught how to manage or grow wealth, either in school or at home, which leads to missed opportunities. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 However, not everyone accepted the premise that XRP specifically would be the defining asset for wealth creation. Some respondents argued that while the message about investing wisely is valid, placing too much faith in a single cryptocurrency may be risky. He addressed the skepticism by reaffirming his stance. He maintains that history will favor those who invest in XRP now, suggesting that the long-term outlook will prove its value and silence critics by the end of the decade. Coach JV’s remarks reflect a broader conversation within the crypto investment space around risk, timing, and financial priorities. While XRP continues to spark debate, his statements underscore the importance of informed decision-making and strategic investment in emerging technologies. Whether or not XRP lives up to the expectations of its most vocal supporters, the discussion highlights the tension between short-term consumption and long-term wealth building. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Financial Expert Calls XRP a Generational Opportunity, But… appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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Ethereum and Bitcoin May Slow — But MAGACOIN FINANCE Forecasted as Q4 ROI Leader Over Aptos

The crypto market is gearing up for a decisive Q4. While big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate headlines, analysts watching ROI trends now point to MAGACOIN FINANCE as the top crypto for returns this cycle. As some forecasts hint that Bitcoin price momentum could slow down, savvy investors are asking which crypto will outperform Bitcoin 2025 — and all signs point to MAGACOIN FINANCE. With its political meme coin identity and strong governance features, MAGACOIN FINANCE shows every sign of becoming the best ROI crypto Q4 2025. It stands out not just as another meme token but as a hybrid altcoin that builds real tools for holders. Why MAGACOIN FINANCE Stands Out? MAGACOIN FINANCE has quickly earned a place on the list of high ROI crypto 2025 picks. It combines meme coin energy with a serious political message and community-first governance. Many early-stage investors compare MAGACOIN FINANCE ’s rise to PEPE coin’s early days — but with a sharper focus on utility and transparency. The project’s capped supply model keeps supply in check, unlike coins that rely on unlimited minting. This structure supports its strong MAGACOIN ROI prediction Q4 2025 as buyers see real scarcity built into the system. In addition, every smart contract has been fully audited by HashEx, giving retail and institutional investors more trust in its foundation. The political theme adds another layer of appeal. This isn’t just a speculative meme play. It’s a decentralized political meme coin that gives every holder a voice in its governance system. This approach helps explain why MAGACOIN FINANCE forecast data shows such a strong narrative-driven surge. Many traders searching for best new crypto for ROI 2025 are choosing MAGACOIN FINANCE because of its unique mix of branding, security, and real community control. This fresh momentum is driving new interest from smart money that wants high ROI crypto 2025 plays. MAGACOIN community growth remains steady, with growing talk of passive income options and possible staking rewards in the future. As other coins show signs of fatigue, MAGACOIN FINANCE stays firmly on the radar as a top performing crypto Q4 2025. Why Bitcoin and Ethereum Could Be Slow While Bitcoin remains the biggest name in crypto, the current Bitcoin price slowdown 2025 forecasts show a range of outcomes that lack excitement for ROI hunters. Consensus estimates place Bitcoin around $120,000–$150,000 by Q4 2025, but many experts agree that is a modest gain compared to newer opportunities. Questions like is Bitcoin slowing down are now common among retail traders who want sharper returns. Ethereum price slowdown 2025 projections are similar. Recent Ethereum ROI vs MAGACOIN comparisons show that while ETH remains a strong altcoin, its expected Q4 range of $2,500 to $3,700 reflects heavy market caps and less flexibility for massive growth. In short, both Bitcoin and Ethereum still have loyal investors, but ROI-focused traders now look at fresh opportunities that can deliver faster gains. That’s where MAGACOIN FINANCE vs Bitcoin 2025 and MAGACOIN vs Ethereum 2025 conversations start to matter. MAGACOIN FINANCE Could Dethrone Aptos in ROI Aptos has gained attention for its tech-forward ecosystem, but Aptos crypto forecast 2025 predictions remain mixed. Some see Aptos at $4–$7 for Q4, with more bullish cases aiming for $12–$21 if conditions align perfectly. MAGACOIN FINANCE, on the other hand, doesn’t depend on complex network upgrades or speculation alone. For those comparing Aptos vs MAGACOIN staking rewards and passive income, the latter’s narrative-driven surge is backed by a clear community roadmap. This is why MAGACOIN vs Aptos ROI talk is growing louder. Many traders now see MAGACOIN as the best ROI crypto Q4 2025 pick. Wrapping Up As we move deeper into Q4, crypto market forecast Q4 2025 reports continue to highlight the need for strong fundamentals and community traction. Bitcoin and Ethereum will stay major players, but MAGACOIN FINANCE forecast data points to sharper gains and bigger ROI potential. Between MAGACOIN vs Bitcoin 2025, MAGACOIN vs Ethereum 2025, and MAGACOIN vs Aptos ROI, this project stands out as the clear favorite for traders looking for high ROI crypto 2025 picks. MAGACOIN FINANCE’s momentum, narrative, and governance model place it in the top crypto returns Q4 2025 category. To learn more about MAGACOIN FINANCE, visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Telegram: https://t.me/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: Ethereum and Bitcoin May Slow — But MAGACOIN FINANCE Forecasted as Q4 ROI Leader Over Aptos

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Russian Policymaker Says State Should Seize Crypto From Illegal Miners

A leading Russian policymaker says authorities should be given the power to seize coins from illegal or quasi-legal Bitcoin miners . The Russian state-run news outlet TASS reported that the comments came from Yevgeny Masharov, a member of the commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation for the Public Examination of Draft Laws and Other Regulatory Acts. The chamber is a policy-forming body that advises the government and lawmakers on legislative proposals. Illegal Miners Could Lose Their Coins Under New Proposals Masharov claimed that his proposal would discourage “grey” miners by “making illegal mining unprofitable.” The Russian Public Chamber. (Source: @oprf_official/Telegram) Russian laws introduced last year require all miners using more than 6,000 kWh per month to register their activities with the Federal Tax Service. However, some are concerned that many miners are choosing not to comply as they do not want to pay tax on their earnings. This is a particular problem in many of Russia’s traditional Bitcoin mining hotspots, such as the Irkutsk Oblast . These areas have complained that illegal miners are placing a high strain on their energy grids. Russian regions, “especially those experiencing energy shortages, will breathe a sigh of relief” if the proposal is accepted, Masharov said. Masharov said that his proposal could be added to a bill that allows police and courts to seize crypto in criminal cases. The bill in question has already passed the State Duma in a first reading. It has since returned to Duma committees, who will amend the bill ahead of a second reading. Masharov said: “This measure would strengthen our control over crypto miners’ activities. We propose the mandatory confiscation of cryptoassets, regardless of the organizational and legal structure of the company in question, from miners not included on the register.” Yevgeny Masharov, a member of the commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. (Source: Russian Public Chamber/RuTube) A Rise In Illegal Mining In recent weeks, the Ministry of Energy, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, and law enforcement agencies have all reported that several firms are still mining crypto illegally . Masharov claimed that many of the miners in question are highly organized, although many are not officially registered as Russian businesses. Under existing laws, Russian courts only have the power to fine illegal crypto miners if they steal electricity from grids or make illegal use of subsidized power. Bailiffs also have the power to confiscate mining rigs and other equipment. But courts currently have no power to confiscate coins from miners. Masharov explained: “Confiscating illegal profits from illegal miners will force them to either stop their activities or sign up to the register. They will have to join the legal sector.” The policymaker said that in order to enact his proposal, lawmakers would need to add a clause stipulating that illegal miners’ crypto holdings are a form of intangible property. The UK sanctioned a trading unit of Russia’s biggest private oil producer Lukoil PJSC as part of 100-plus measures targeting Moscow’s exports https://t.co/9ohbbxTj52 — Bloomberg (@business) July 21, 2025 Russian Crypto Fund Incoming? Masharov is one of the most influential voices in the Russian government on crypto-related policy. In March this year, he called on the government to create a crypto fund comprising coins seized in criminal cases. Masharov said that cryptoassets confiscated during the course of criminal proceedings “must be put to work to the benefit of the state.” He said that the fun could have a strategic aspect, using them to provide public services. Masharov said that the current system for seizing crypto from criminals was incomplete and restrictive. Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are planned for Wednesday in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying. It would be first such talks in seven weeks https://t.co/PB9cvLVtMC pic.twitter.com/yrSvMBDALQ — Reuters (@Reuters) July 22, 2025 Around 90% of Russian industrial crypto miners focus their efforts on Bitcoin (BTC) , domestic industry chiefs believe. Some of the country’s top crypto industry officials have expressed bullish sentiments about BTC in recent weeks. A few think that the coin could hit a new all-time high of $150k before the end of summer this year . But many have warned of a temporary lull in the weeks ahead. The post Russian Policymaker Says State Should Seize Crypto From Illegal Miners appeared first on Cryptonews .

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Bitcoin Investor Sentiment: Unveiling the Paradox of Weakness Near All-Time Highs

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Investor Sentiment: Unveiling the Paradox of Weakness Near All-Time Highs Are you feeling the market’s pulse? Bitcoin, the undisputed king of cryptocurrencies, has once again captivated the financial world by trading tantalizingly close to its all-time high. It’s a moment that typically ignites euphoria, sparking a rush of fresh capital and renewed optimism. Yet, beneath this impressive price action lies a fascinating paradox: a palpable sense of weak Bitcoin investor sentiment . The Unsettling Truth: Why is Bitcoin Investor Sentiment Weak at Peak Prices? It’s an unusual scenario, isn’t it? The asset is soaring, but the collective mood feels subdued. This isn’t just a hunch; data from various on-chain analytics platforms points to a cautious, even bearish, undercurrent among certain segments of the market. What factors contribute to this perplexing situation? Retail Selling Pressure: Despite Bitcoin’s ascent, a significant amount of selling pressure is originating from retail investors. This suggests that smaller individual investors might be taking profits, fearing a potential pullback, or simply lacking conviction in sustained upward momentum. Geographic Discrepancies: Investor sentiment isn’t uniform globally. While some regions might be buying, others are clearly hesitant, leading to a mixed market signal. Lack of Strong Conviction: The ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) often drives bull markets. Its absence, or at least its muted presence, indicates a more reserved approach from investors who might be waiting for clearer signals or deeper corrections before committing further capital. Decoding the Data: Where is the Selling Pressure Coming From? To understand this phenomenon, we need to look at specific market indicators. Citing data from CryptoQuant, Cointelegraph recently highlighted a crucial insight: retail sell pressure is notably high on platforms like Binance. This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s a measurable trend that provides a window into the behavior of a large segment of the retail market. Binance, being one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, serves a massive retail user base. Elevated selling activity here can signify that many individual investors who bought Bitcoin at lower prices are now choosing to realize their gains. This profit-taking, while rational for individual portfolios, can create headwinds for a broader market breakout, especially if institutional buying isn’t strong enough to absorb the supply. The Premium Puzzle: What Do US and Korean Investors Reveal About Bitcoin Investor Sentiment ? Market sentiment isn’t a monolith; it varies significantly across different regions. Two key indicators offer a glimpse into the minds of investors in major markets: The Coinbase Premium Index , a metric that measures the price difference of Bitcoin on Coinbase (a popular US exchange) compared to other global exchanges, has remained flat throughout the current month. A positive premium typically indicates strong buying demand from U.S. institutional and high-net-worth investors, who often use Coinbase. A flat or negative premium suggests that this strong demand is absent, pointing to a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude or even a slight selling bias among U.S. participants. Meanwhile, the Korea Premium Index has actually turned negative. Historically, the ‘Kimchi Premium’ (a positive premium on Korean exchanges) has been a strong indicator of fervent retail demand in South Korea. A negative premium, or ‘Kimchi Discount,’ signals the opposite: Korean investors are selling or are significantly less enthusiastic about buying, perhaps even offloading their holdings at a discount compared to global prices. This shift is particularly telling, as Korean retail investors have historically been very active and influential in Bitcoin’s price movements. These regional differences paint a clear picture: a significant portion of the global investor base, particularly in key markets like the U.S. and South Korea, is exercising caution. They might be waiting for clearer macroeconomic signals, regulatory clarity, or simply a more decisive price movement before re-engaging with conviction. Navigating the Market: Why is Holding the Line Critical for Bitcoin Investor Sentiment ? Despite the prevailing caution, there’s a silver lining. As Cointelegraph highlighted, a crucial positive development is Bitcoin’s ability to hold above the $110,000-$115,000 range . This specific price band isn’t arbitrary; it often represents a significant support level, a psychological barrier, and a technical foundation for Bitcoin’s price action. What does holding this range signify? Resilience: It demonstrates Bitcoin’s underlying strength and the conviction of long-term holders or institutional buyers who are stepping in to prevent a deeper correction. Technical Support: From a technical analysis perspective, maintaining a price above a key support level often precedes an upward movement. It suggests that demand at these levels is sufficient to absorb selling pressure. Psychological Boost: For investors, seeing Bitcoin consistently hold above a critical level can gradually rebuild confidence and shift sentiment from ‘wait-and-see’ to ‘buy the dip’ or ‘join the rally.’ If Bitcoin can continue to stay above this crucial support, the probability of an upward breakout significantly increases. This would likely involve overcoming the current retail selling pressure and attracting new waves of buying, potentially from institutions or larger retail players who have been on the sidelines. The Road Ahead: What Could Shift Bitcoin Investor Sentiment ? Shifting market sentiment is rarely instantaneous; it often requires a catalyst. For Bitcoin, several factors could potentially turn the tide from cautious optimism to widespread bullishness: Macroeconomic Clarity: A clearer picture on inflation, interest rates, and global economic stability could encourage investors to allocate more capital to risk assets like Bitcoin. Regulatory Progress: Positive developments in cryptocurrency regulation, especially in major economies, could provide institutional investors with the certainty they need to enter the market more aggressively. Significant Spot ETF Inflows: Sustained, substantial inflows into Bitcoin Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) could absorb selling pressure and signal strong institutional demand. Breakout Above Key Resistance: A decisive move above the current all-time high, accompanied by high volume, would likely trigger a strong wave of FOMO and shift sentiment dramatically. Conversely, a failure to hold the $110,000-$115,000 support could exacerbate negative sentiment, potentially leading to a deeper correction as stop-losses are triggered and conviction wanes. Actionable Insights for Navigating Current Bitcoin Investor Sentiment In a market characterized by paradox, how should investors proceed? Here are a few actionable insights: Monitor On-Chain Data: Keep an eye on metrics like exchange inflows/outflows, stablecoin supply ratios, and whale movements. These provide a more granular view of market dynamics beyond just price. Understand Regional Nuances: Recognize that global sentiment is an aggregate. Specific regional premiums/discounts can offer valuable insights into local demand and supply. Focus on Key Support Levels: The $110,000-$115,000 range is critical. Its sustained holding is a positive sign; a break below could signal further downside. Long-Term Perspective: For many, Bitcoin remains a long-term investment. Short-term sentiment fluctuations, while noteworthy, should be balanced against the asset’s long-term growth potential and adoption trends. Risk Management: As always, invest only what you can afford to lose. Volatility is inherent in the crypto market, and even strong assets can experience significant pullbacks. The current state of Bitcoin investor sentiment presents a fascinating dichotomy. While the price hovers near its historical peak, a cautious undercurrent, fueled by retail selling and regional hesitancy, suggests a market awaiting clearer signals. However, Bitcoin’s resilience in holding critical support levels offers a beacon of hope. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the market can overcome this sentiment hurdle and unleash its full upward potential, or if the current caution will lead to a period of consolidation or even correction. For now, the crypto world watches, balancing the impressive price charts with the nuanced, often contradictory, signals from its diverse investor base. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Why is Bitcoin’s price near its all-time high, but investor sentiment is weak? A1: This paradox is largely due to retail investors taking profits or lacking strong conviction, leading to selling pressure even as the price ascends. Institutional buying might be absorbing this supply, but the broader sentiment remains cautious. Q2: What is the Coinbase Premium Index, and what does a flat reading mean? A2: The Coinbase Premium Index measures the price difference of Bitcoin on Coinbase (US) versus other global exchanges. A flat reading suggests a lack of strong buying demand from U.S. institutional investors, indicating a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude. Q3: What does a negative Korea Premium Index (Kimchi Discount) indicate? A3: A negative Korea Premium Index means Bitcoin is trading at a discount on Korean exchanges compared to global prices. This indicates reduced demand or increased selling pressure from Korean retail investors, a significant shift from their historical strong buying. Q4: Why is the $110,000-$115,000 range important for Bitcoin’s price? A4: This range is considered a crucial technical support level. Bitcoin holding above it indicates resilience, strong underlying demand, and a potential base for future upward movements. A break below it could signal further downside. Q5: What could cause a shift in weak Bitcoin investor sentiment? A5: Positive shifts could come from macroeconomic clarity, favorable regulatory developments, sustained large inflows into Bitcoin Spot ETFs, or a decisive breakout above previous all-time highs with significant volume. Q6: Should I sell my Bitcoin if sentiment is weak? A6: Investment decisions should always align with your personal financial goals and risk tolerance. While weak sentiment is a factor to consider, it’s essential to look at the broader market context, long-term trends, and your own investment strategy rather than reacting solely to short-term sentiment fluctuations. If you found this analysis insightful, please consider sharing it with your network! Your support helps us continue providing in-depth market insights and valuable information on the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. Spread the knowledge and join the conversation! To learn more about the latest Bitcoin market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Bitcoin Investor Sentiment: Unveiling the Paradox of Weakness Near All-Time Highs first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

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SpaceX warned investors that Elon Musk may return to government roles in the future

SpaceX has just confirmed what many in Washington already suspected; Elon Musk’s government chapter isn’t closed. The company quietly inserted a political disclosure in its latest investor tender, stating that Elon “may in the future serve in similar roles and devote significant time and energy to such roles,” referring to his earlier appointment under President Donald Trump’s new administration. The update was part of investor documents released Tuesday, and it’s the first time this language has appeared in any of SpaceX’s financial offers. Elon officially joined Trump’s government earlier this year as a senior adviser focused on the Department of Government Efficiency. That alliance didn’t last . Just two months ago, the relationship collapsed publicly. Elon blasted both Trump and congressional Republicans after a tax-and-spend deal passed, calling them “fake fiscal conservatives” in a post on X. He also vowed to launch a new party called the “America Party,” saying it was time to “take power back for the people.” He hasn’t talked much about it since. But this new filing makes one thing clear, he hasn’t dropped the idea entirely. SpaceX adds political risks to $400B valuation deal This warning came packaged with SpaceX’s latest tender offer, which allows employees and early investors to sell part of their stakes. The company, which is still private, is offering to buy back up to $1.25 billion in shares, Bloomberg reported . SpaceX’s internal valuation now stands at around $400 billion, making it the most valuable private company in the world. This tender language was added under the “risk factors” section, where companies usually highlight anything that could affect business operations. Given Elon’s unpredictable political moves, SpaceX seems to be warning investors not to assume he’ll stay on the sidelines. Despite claiming in May that he’d refocus on his core businesses (Tesla, xAI, and SpaceX), Elon has continued mixing politics and enterprise. “Back to working 7 days a week and sleeping in the office if my little kids are away,” he posted on X weeks after attacking Trump. None of this comes as a surprise to those watching closely. SpaceX is deeply tied to the U.S. government. It’s a top contractor for NASA and the Department of Defense, launching Falcon rockets, developing Starship, and running a vast network of over 8,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites

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US SEC Temporarily Halts Approval of Bitwise Bitcoin Index Fund Conversion

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SEC Suspends Bitwise’s Crypto ETF Approval, Signaling Continued Regulatory Caution

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Trump said the U.S. is close to a major trade deal with the Philippines

Trump said on Tuesday that the U.S. is “very close” to locking in a big trade deal with the Philippines, during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the White House. The Filipino leader made the trip in a last-minute attempt to stop new U.S. tariffs from going into effect by August 1. The White House meeting included lunch and a closed-door discussion where Trump said, “We’ll probably agree to something,” but also warned that Marcos was “a very tough negotiator.” “They’re a very important nation militarily,” Trump said, stressing that trade and “war and peace” were both on the table. Marcos is the latest in a string of foreign leaders to fly in hoping to avoid Washington’s escalating tariff decisions . Trump recently bumped the planned import levy on the Philippines from 17% to 20%, which set off alarms in Manila. Marcos pushes for trade relief and military ties Before sitting down with Trump, Marcos met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday. Those talks focused on military cooperation and regional strategy. The Philippines has been a long-time ally, and Marcos leaned hard on that fact, reminding Washington of their shared past and joint missions. He isn’t walking in Duterte’s footsteps either. Where his predecessor leaned into China, Marcos has flipped the script. He’s opened more military bases to the U.S., hosted large-scale joint drills, and gave the green light for a U.S. missile system deployment. All of this as China continues to clash with Philippine forces in the South China Sea and tensions rise near Taiwan. Trump, meanwhile, was casual about any balancing act Marcos might have to play between Washington and Beijing. “I don’t mind if he gets along with China, because we’re getting along with China very well,” he said. “He has to do what’s right for his country. I’ve always said, make the Philippines great again.” Marcos defended his stance, saying he follows an “independent” foreign policy. His mission in D.C., though, was clear. Before leaving Manila, he publicly said that he’d tell Trump the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal to soften the impact of what he called a “very severe tariff schedule.” U.S.-Philippines economic talks intensify before Aug. 1 Trump also threw in personal notes, calling the Marcos family “highly respected in this country” and noting his fondness for Imelda Marcos, the former Philippine first lady. But there was no sign that nostalgia would stop the economic hit. U.S. government data shows America had a $4.9 billion trade deficit with the Philippines last year, with total trade sitting at $23.5 billion. The Philippines sent trade officials ahead of Marcos’s arrival to begin tariff talks with their U.S. counterparts. But the gap in expectations is still wide. While Trump has mentioned that countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have offered zero tariffs, the Philippines said it can’t afford that. Local businesses would be crushed, they warned. Instead, Marcos’s team offered to import more U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans and frozen meat. In return, they hope to boost exports of semiconductors, coconuts, and mango products—items the U.S. market already buys in significant volumes. Even close allies are feeling the squeeze. Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año told Rubio that defense and economic security are tied together. A senior analyst at the Crisis Group, Georgi Engelbrecht, said the new tariff move “may have provided Manila with a dose of realism that even the Philippines may not be exempt from a degree of unpredictability and transactionalism from the U.S.” Marcos didn’t pretend that trust alone would carry the day. “The cultural memory of all Filipinos, down to even schoolchildren, is that our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States,” he said, but that loyalty has now collided with reality. Trump didn’t let the moment pass without a punchline. “I’ve always said, make the Philippines great again,” he told reporters. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

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Bitcoin Faces Critical Test as Bulls Weigh Chances of Holding Above $120,000 This Week

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