NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in remarks at Mar-a-Lago . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have now poured millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to publish a blog post outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company’s president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. Related Articles “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to ease up on antitrust enforcement and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting a breakup of the company isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine an illegal monopoly . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to $13.7 billion in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was eventually vindicated after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump recounted in a podcast in October. Trump hosted Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Neither Apple nor the Trump transition team has commented on the nature of their discussions. Altman , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.A former Guam resident, from Talo’fo’fo’, is now a rising star at the U.S. Naval Academy. Jewel Amber Maigue, a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy, is now a midshipman, a rank in the U.S. Navy for those training to become naval officers. “It’s been an incredible privilege to be at the academy and to come from a small place like Guam,” Maigue said. “Being Guam’s daughter, I think that’s almost my entire personality, and if anyone asks me, really, that’s one of the inspirations that I have for being here. So it’s been an incredible privilege, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities that come with it.” When Maigue learned she had been accepted into the Naval Academy, she was shocked and overwhelmed with gratitude. “I initially got into the Naval Academy in the spring of 2021 when I was about to graduate from Guam High School, class of 2021, and initially, I was just shocked,” she said. “It’s an institution with a 7.2% acceptance rate, so the chances were very slim. I had just put my best foot forward in the application process and hoped for the best.” Once Maigue realized she was about to embark on a new chapter in her life, she developed a long-term sense of gratitude for the opportunity. “I hope that even with the slim chances of being chosen to come to the Naval Academy, it serves as an inspiration for others to pursue the same or similar paths that are less traveled,” she said. Maigue, now in a leadership position, acknowledged the honor, responsibility, and privileges that come with her rank. “As a midshipman, at the end of four years at the Naval Academy, you get a commission into the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. During your four years, you’re getting a college education while also living with your best friends in the same hall,” Maigue explained. “We all get a Bachelor of Science degree at the end of our time here, and you receive training throughout your entire Naval Academy career, being exposed to different communities in the Navy and different jobs in the Marine Corps. Ultimately, it builds you to prepare sailors and Marines by the time you receive that commission.” Maigue is set to graduate in May with a degree in cyber operations. She plans to lead sailors in the Navy, carrying forward her family’s legacy and values. Maigue is one of four students from Guam currently attending the academy—a fact she takes great pride in. “There are four of us at the academy: myself, (Jadrian) Juico, who is a junior right now, Jason Palomares, who is a sophomore, and Scott Aflague, who is a freshman. So, there’s four of us representing our small, little island,” she said. When asked what it feels like to be a woman in the military, Maigue emphasized that being a woman does not feel like an obstacle. “Overall, I would say it’s not an important factor,” she said. “You’re surrounded by individuals who are also accomplished and come from different walks of life. So, even though I’m a woman in the military, while it can serve as an inspiration for other females looking to pursue a similar path, it’s not something that is really seen as an obstacle nowadays. Maybe in years past, in different generations, but I wouldn’t see it as an obstacle for people trying to pursue that.” She added, “Everything is very fair here at the United States Naval Academy, and overall, they’re looking for people who are passionate, who have the intrinsic desire to serve their country, and who are looking to serve something much bigger than themselves.” Maigue’s path to the academy was influenced by her upbringing and her father’s legacy in the Navy. “My dad is an immigrant from the Philippines, and he joined the Navy to make a living for himself and his family. Growing up knowing that background, I made it a long-term goal to pursue something that he wasn’t able to do in his lifetime,” she said. Her mother also inspired her to pursue higher education. “My mom also didn’t get her college degree because she was a young mom. I’m very lucky to be close to both of them, but they weren’t able to do the things I am able to do today,” Maigue said. “It’s always been my goal to come to college, complete my degree, and have job security. I’m lucky to be able to express my gratitude for this country and the opportunities it’s given me.” Reflecting on her time at the academy, Maigue acknowledged how surreal it has been to meet prominent figures like the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. “Being able to do internships and meeting the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, almost like it’s the average thing on a random Tuesday. It’s a surreal feeling, but it’s definitely one I’m grateful for,” she said. Her most memorable experience, she said, was training incoming students and reflecting on her leadership development. “My fondest memory here—and I would say it’s also a takeaway—is I was able to detail the incoming class of 2027 when they were about to be freshmen,” Maigue said. “That experience was a culmination of all the leadership lessons I had picked up on and observed in others. It gave me a great opportunity to practice and understand my approach to leadership.” While she has been away from home for most of her time at the academy, Maigue remains connected to her roots. “I’ve been to Guam every Christmas since being at the academy for the past four years. Each time I go back, it’s another opportunity to realize that I’m in a good place and that I have a lot to be thankful for,” she said. “I always look forward to my mom’s cooking, especially her soups. Just being able to enjoy small things like going to Ipan Mobil or listening to the waves—it’s the little things from back home that make me appreciate my time here even more.” She also cherishes the camaraderie she shares with the other students from Guam at the academy. “I would say we’re very close. It’s me and the three boys. We text regularly, check in with each other, and make time to hang out. If there’s anyone who makes me feel like I’m back home at the academy, it’s those three boys,” Maigue said. “We bring a unique approach to friendship and familial ties here, simply because of the way we grew up on Guam.” She added that her bond with the boys has helped them share their cultural values with others at the academy. “I’ve gotten feedback from others who say things like, ‘You’re the most tactful individual I’ve ever spoken to,’ and I don’t even think about it, but I think it’s because we talk to each other like family. It’s something that helps us navigate communication with others, and it’s an advantage that comes from growing up in Guam, where family is everything.” As Maigue prepares to graduate and take on her new role, she is determined to leave a lasting legacy, both as a leader and as a representative of Guam. “I feel an incredible responsibility to educate my classmates on what it’s like to be from Guam and to share the unique social, political climate we have back home,” she said. “We are just like anyone else. It doesn’t make us different just because we’re a U.S. territory, but it’s a unique experience that I’m grateful to share with others.”
AP News Summary at 6:30 p.m. EST
Celebrating 30 years of supporting women and advocating for a gender equitable future, (QVWC) has launched a Conservation Appeal Fund. In partnership with the National Trust, the initiative aims to raise $4 million over the next four years to support a series of conservation and enhancement projects informed by the QVWC Conservation Management Plan. “Over the past three decades the QVWC has evolved into a vibrant hub dedicated to women’s empowerment, community connection and advocacy. It is an honour to work alongside the QVWC towards our shared vision of a safer, more equitable world for women,” said Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins, one of the special guests at the initiative’s launch event. The event took place on Thursday in the iconic heritage building at 210 Lonsdale Street Melbourne. Founder of Broad Radio Jo Stanley was the MC, and other special guests included Jennifer Kanis (Chair QVWC Trust) and Barbara Wheeler (Feminist Historian in Residence), with music by Yorta-Yorta woman Madi Colvil-Walker and food and refreshments by Jarrah. “The QVWC is now 30 years old and I am honoured to be the Trust’s current chair, knowing that I am standing on the shoulders of giants– women who have come before me making sure the special significance of this place is not lost,” said Kanis. “With the support of our Conservation Appeal, and in partnership with our friends at the National Trust, I am confident that it will live well into the future.” Established in 1994, after a long campaign by the women of Victoria to save the site from demolition, the QVWC stands today as a special place ‘for women by women’, dedicated to promoting gender equality. Its origins are attributed to the vision and tenacity of Australia’s first registered female medical practitioner, Constance Stone. In the late 1800’s, Stone was determined to breakthrough the patriarchal barriers of the day to practice medicine, which saw her establish Australia’s first, and the world’s third, hospital for women and children, in Melbourne. From 1946 until it was decommissioned in 1988, the hospital operated from the Lonsdale Street site under the motto ‘Pro Feminis A Feminis’ or ‘for women by women’. During its period of operation as a hospital, thousands of Melbournians worked there and hundreds of thousands were born in the building. Designed by renowned Melbourne architect JJ Clark, the building is now heritage-listed for its architectural and social significance to Melbourne’s living history. Today, the QVWC houses more than a dozen organisations supporting women and social justice causes, provides a range of community event spaces and supports women and gender diverse entrepreneurs and artists through its gallery and maker’s shop. Through the Conservation Appeal, the QVWC’s goals are to connect the public with the building, its extraordinary history and its people, as well as conserve the social and physical heritage of the site. Celebrating the building’s feminist history now and into the future is also on the agenda, with the Appeal set to help QVWC advocate for a society that embraces gender equality. This includes telling the Truth about the building’s past and moving forwards in an inclusive way.
Srinagar, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under its Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, today observed the Pensioners’ Day with a call to uphold the dignity, rights, and responsibilities of senior citizens who have dedicated their lives to serving society during their active years. According to a press release, speaking on the occasion, Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani emphasised the need to address the concerns of pensioners, describing them as the pillars of our community and a reservoir of wisdom. He called for ensuring that pensioners’ rights are fulfilled without bureaucratic delays. “It is crucial that the government liquidates all pending dues and outstanding benefits in a timely manner. Pensioners should not face unnecessary hurdles in the era of advanced technology, especially regarding life certificates and other document verifications. The process must be made seamless to respect their dignity and convenience,” he remarked. Wani further urged pensioners not to confine themselves to their homes post-retirement. Highlighting their continued role in society, he said, “After years of service, pensioners owe it to society to remain active and contribute through social work. They should join hands with social organisations to support public welfare, assist the government in uplifting the underprivileged, including destitute individuals, widows, and orphans, and combat pressing social issues.” The Chairman also highlighted the increasing challenges faced by youth today, including drug addiction and rising suicide rates. He called on senior citizens to actively participate in addressing these social evils by mentoring the younger generation and fostering a sense of moral responsibility within their communities. “Pensioners have a dual role – not only safeguarding their own rights but also contributing to the protection and betterment of society,” Wani asserted.