According to Fast Technology on November 29, Elon Musk's xAI company recently launched its latest strategy. It plans to launch a standalone application in December, which is specially designed for its chatbot Grok. In the current technology field, the chatbot market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with top products such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's carefully crafted Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude emerging one after another. They generally adopt a free model to quickly accumulate a huge user base. Faced with this trend, xAI has adopted a completely different market strategy. Its Grok application is currently only open to paid subscribers on the X platform, which is a particularly unique decision. Industry insiders pointed out that although Grok's current audience range is relatively small and requires payment, xAI's strategic deployment may contain profound considerations. By focusing on providing excellent quality and differentiated services, xAI is expected to open up a unique path in the fiercely competitive market, not only attracting the attention of more high-end users, but also winning their loyalty and love. This move undoubtedly brings a new perspective to the industry, indicating that in the wave of technological innovation, accurate positioning and high-quality services can also become the key to success. (Note: The pictures and materials are from the Internet, and the copyright belongs to the original author.
Musk Calls for Abolition of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau CFPB
Billionaire Elon Musk has called for the abolition of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on social media, a move that reflects long-standing dissatisfaction among Republicans and the business community with the agency. Musk believes there are too many regulators and calls for a reduction in government bureaucracy. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was established in 2010 by progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren to oversee the relationship between the financial industry and consumers, but it has faced multiple legal challenges and its political position has been unstable since its inception.
Donald Trump won the presidential election, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai called to congratulate him. But what surprised Pichai was that on the other end of the line, in addition to Trump, there was a special male guest: Elon Musk. Trump had previously made things difficult for Google and even threatened that if he was elected, he would file criminal charges against Google, claiming that the results presented by its search engine were biased. But Pichai had to put aside past grievances. Google is facing a series of regulatory threats, the most serious of which is that the U.S. Department of Justice is asking federal judges to break up Google. From antitrust issues to social media to related rules in the AI field, there are many things Pichai will need to communicate with Trump about in the future. While Musk is certainly a favored figure around Trump, such direct and in-depth involvement still caught Pichai off guard.
[Trump said he would impose a 10% tariff on China, and Hong Kong business community said they would have countermeasures]
US President-elect Trump made a fuss on social media that he would impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from China. Hong Kong business people have spoken out, saying that the tax increase is not good for everyone and that there will be countermeasures.#Trumpwields the tariff stick# Trump posted on the social media "Real Social" that he would impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods until the fentanyl problem in China is resolved. According to Hong Kong Radio, Hong Kong Trade Development Council Chairman Peter Lam said that from a business perspective, tax increases are not good for everyone. The United States itself is experiencing inflation, and tax increases will exacerbate the situation. Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said that Europe and the United States are still relatively important markets for Hong Kong. If additional tariffs are imposed, it is believed that it will have a certain impact on Hong Kong businessmen, but Hong Kong businessmen have made different arrangements and explored different emerging markets in previous Sino-US trade frictions, and there will be countermeasures. Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, told the Russian Satellite News Agency that China denies US President-elect Trump's accusations that Beijing has prompted the supply of fentanyl to the United States. These accusations are completely contrary to facts and reality. He stressed that the essence of Sino-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win, and there are no winners in a trade war.
China cancels export tax rebates for aluminum, copper, and other metals; Western countries reliant on imports from China will be affected without exception.
China's export tax rebate policy for aluminum and copper will officially be canceled on December 1st, affecting major aluminum products in China. Western countries, including the US, are currently stockpiling in large quantities. Under the threat of increased tariffs from Trump, China is preemptively positioning itself in the metals sector, which could provide a negotiating advantage in future US-China talks. Chinese workers on aluminum coil production lines will see this change next month, as China will eliminate the export tax rebate policy for metals like aluminum and copper. Although this change does not involve high-value-added aluminum products, it covers almost all aluminum products from China. Aluminum and copper play a crucial role in manufacturing, construction, and the automotive industry. As the world's largest metal exporter, this policy adjustment from China may lead to higher prices for aluminum and copper products for countries like the US, Japan, and South Korea that rely on imports. Due to concerns that the Chinese policy will reduce export volumes of aluminum and copper products, many countries have already started stockpiling. The price of aluminum futures on the London market has increased by 8.5%, and aluminum stocks in the US market have also risen, with some aluminum producers seeing stock price increases of over 10%.
Record-breaking! Musk's fortune soars to $347.8 billion
Brothers and sisters, the news is relatively light over the weekend, so let's take a quick look at Musk's latest news; his fortune has risen to $348 billion! Tesla founder Elon Musk's wealth reached a record $347.8 billion (approximately 2.5 trillion yuan) on Friday. This increase is due to the continued rise in Tesla's stock price, as well as the latest round of funding for his artificial intelligence startup xAI, which has a valuation of $50 billion. Since Trump won the election, the value of several of Musk's businesses has soared rapidly. The entrepreneur, referred to as the 'first partner,' has drawn political spotlight due to his relationship with Trump. Tesla's stock rose 3.8% on Friday, reflecting the market's optimistic attitude that the autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle subsidy policies planned by Trump's team will give Tesla an industry advantage. Since the day before the election on November 4, Tesla's stock has risen 45%, increasing its market value by approximately $350 billion.
'Musk's To-Do List' Featured on Time Cover, He Responds
On November 22, Time magazine released the cover of the December issue, featuring Elon Musk. The cover article is titled 'Citizen Musk: What’s Next on the To-Do List?', and it lists his to-do items, which include making electric cars, buying Twitter, launching rockets, recovering rockets, implanting chips in human brains, getting Trump elected president, and working at Mar-a-Lago (Trump's private estate) as completed tasks, along with two unfinished items: cutting a two trillion dollar budget and flying to Mars. Elon Musk responded on Thursday to the 'to-do list' on the cover of Time magazine, stating that he did not give an interview to Time magazine, and that this is not his list. He also mentioned that he is working to make life multi-planetary to maximize the potential lifespan of consciousness. For this reason, some items on the list are necessary.
We will cut costs! Musk recently announced a massive "government layoffs plan"
△ Ramaswamy (left) and Musk (right) On November 20, local time, American entrepreneur Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy detailed their plans to reform the U.S. federal government in a column in the Wall Street Journal, including large-scale cuts in federal agencies and cuts in subsidies for related organizations. On November 12, local time, U.S. President-elect Trump announced that Musk and Ramaswamy will jointly lead the proposed "Ministry of Government Efficiency" after he takes office as president, which will "pave the way for dismantling government bureaucracy, cutting redundant regulations and wasteful spending, and restructuring federal agencies." "We will cut costs," Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in the article, "We are entrepreneurs, not politicians. We will serve as external volunteers, not federal officials or employees... We will cut costs." The article said that the department is assisting the Trump transition team to identify and hire a streamlined team of small government reformers. This team will work closely with the White House Office of Management and Budget in the new government. Musk and Ramaswamy will advise the Department of Government Efficiency at every step to achieve three major reforms: deregulation, reduced administration, and cost savings. In addition, the department will place special emphasis on driving change through executive action based on existing legislation rather than passing new laws. Massive cuts in federal agencies The article states that the Department of Government Efficiency intends to make large-scale cuts in federal agencies. The two wrote in the article: "A significant reduction in federal regulations provides a reasonable logic for large-scale layoffs throughout the federal bureaucracy. The Department of Government Efficiency will determine the minimum number of employees required for each agency to perform its constitutionally permitted and statutorily authorized functions. The number of federal employees to be cut should be at least proportional to the number of federal regulations being repealed: not only can fewer regulations be enforced with fewer employees, but once the scope of an agency's authority is properly limited, it will enact fewer regulations."
US media reveals almost all cabinet choices are Musk's, Musk urgently responds: decisions are 100% made by Trump
The close 'brotherhood' between newly elected President Trump and billionaire Musk is beginning to upset some people, and in recent days, insiders from Trump's team have expressed concerns about Musk's influence through various American media outlets. The right-wing American media New York Post quoted insiders on November 20, saying the two are so close that Trump's cabinet is almost entirely made up of Musk's choices. Following the report, Musk quickly took to social media platform X to respond, stating that while he has expressed views on some cabinet candidates, the decisions regarding cabinet selections are 100% made by Trump. Anonymous sources told the New York Post that Musk has become Trump's 'closest confidant', and their relationship is so close that nearly all of Trump's cabinet selections are Musk's choices. Although Trump has the final say, he greatly enjoys Musk's company and advice while forming his second government. 'Musk has shared a lot of his opinions with Trump, which are basically formed during his conversations with new acquaintances, and he is also satisfied with Trump as the sole decision-maker,' said one source. He added that most people on Trump's team believe Musk has enjoyed the favor of 'the most powerful people in the world, past and future', and they do not believe any external forces can intervene between Trump and Musk, as the billionaire is 'surprisingly friendly' and feels honored to be alongside Trump.
Musk Urgently Speaks: While I Express Opinions on Cabinet Candidates, Decisions Are 100% Made by Trump
The elected President of the United States, Trump, is vigorously forming his cabinet in preparation for taking office on January 20 next year. American tycoon Musk made significant contributions during Trump's campaign and has gained Trump's trust. U.S. media reports that Trump relies on Musk's opinions during the cabinet formation process, to which Musk responded. On November 20, Musk responded on social media X, saying, 'I really enjoy being with President Trump. My direct experience is that he is a great person with a good sense of humor. I have never seen him do a bad thing.' He also stated, 'It should be clear that while I have expressed my opinions on some cabinet candidates, many selections were finalized without my knowledge, and the decisions are 100% made by the President.' Musk added, 'The large number of loyal and outstanding people who have worked for him (Trump) at Mar-a-Lago for many years also says a lot. People can sometimes hide their bad moral qualities well, but they cannot hide the moral qualities of their friends and colleagues.' (New York Post) Earlier that day, an exclusive report indicated that multiple sources told the paper that Musk is now Trump's closest confidant. One source revealed that their relationship is so close that Trump consults Musk on every cabinet candidate, despite having a complete transition team. The report stated that while the final decision rests with Trump, he greatly enjoys Musk's company and insights during the preparation of the second government. NBC previously reported, according to two informed sources, that regarding Trump's second term, Musk was so forceful in pushing his views that he offended some members of the Trump transition team and may no longer be welcome at Mar-a-Lago. According to an Axios news report on November 18, Musk quickly became an influential figure in Trump's inner circle, but there are signs that Musk is in conflict with Trump's long-time advisor Boris Epshteyn over cabinet appointments in the new government.
Musk's heavy news breaks, two giants plunge in response
New officials come in with a bang, and Musk is about to 'shake things up' again! On November 20, Beijing time, U.S. media reported that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Tesla CEO Musk, is considering developing a free mobile tax filing application. As a result of this news, U.S. tax service providers H&R Block and Intuit saw their stock prices plummet. By the close of the U.S. stock market on Tuesday, H&R Block's stock fell over 8%, while Intuit's dropped over 5%, with market values shrinking to $7.6 billion and $180.6 billion, respectively. It is understood that H&R Block earns nearly $4 billion annually from its tax preparation services, while nearly one-third of Intuit's revenue (about $5 billion) comes from its online tax filing platform TurboTax. Developing free tax filing software? According to the Washington Post, informed sources revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, is discussing the development of a free mobile tax filing application. Reports indicate that Trump appointed billionaire Musk and former pharmaceutical executive Vivek Ramaswamy last week to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, assigning them two primary tasks: reducing government spending and cutting federal regulations. Informed sources stated that the department's leaders have also discussed reforming the tax system to allow Americans to file taxes through a mobile application, viewing it as an opportunity to improve the way millions of taxpayers interact with the federal government. This idea is not considered central to the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, but it may still become one of its official work objectives after taking office. Over the past weekend, the Department of Government Efficiency tweeted on X, highlighting how complicated U.S. tax law has become. The tweet emphasized that since 1955, the word count of U.S. tax law has surged nearly 1000% to 16 million words, with lengthy and complex tax rules causing Americans to spend 6.5 billion hours each year preparing and filing tax returns. The post concluded by stating: 'This must be simplified!' After news broke that the Department of Government Efficiency is considering developing free tax filing software, the stock prices of tax service companies fell significantly, with H&R Block's stock briefly dropping nearly 9% and Intuit's over 6%. By the close of the U.S. stock market on Tuesday, H&R Block fell 8.2%, and Intuit fell 5.1%, with market values evaporating by $679 million and $970 million, respectively. Currently, these two companies dominate the U.S. tax preparation industry, earning billions annually through digital and face-to-face services. Analysts point out that the Department of Government Efficiency's plan to create a free mobile tax filing application could have a significant impact on several businesses in the tax preparation sector. H&R Block is a well-established financial services company with over 70 years of history, providing global tax filing services through the mobile application Spruce; while Intuit owns the online tax filing platform TurboTax and also offers professional tax products for accounting professionals. It is reported that H&R Block earns nearly $4 billion annually from its tax filing services, while nearly one-third of Intuit's revenue (about $5 billion) comes from its TurboTax platform. However, Wall Street has mixed views on the potential impact of government intervention in the tax filing business. Analyst Andrew Silverman stated that the DOGE tax filing application could theoretically threaten the revenues of H&R Block and Intuit. Jefferies analysts released a report stating that it was 'unfounded' for investors to sell Intuit shares based on this news, as the U.S. DOGE tax filing application is 'unlikely to take priority among a long list of initiatives.' The IRS had previously launched a tax filing pilot project but had 'virtually no success.'
Musk and Trump's Senior Advisor Have a Public Falling Out! Dramatic Scene at Mar-a-Lago
According to Caixin News on November 19 (Editor: Zhou Ziyi), the relationship between Elon Musk, the 'big shot' around elected President Donald Trump, and Trump's inner circle seems to be increasingly tense. Reports indicate that last week at Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Musk had a heated argument in public with Trump's senior advisor Boris Epshteyn over differing opinions on cabinet member appointments. Musk accused Epshteyn of leaking information about the appointments of officials in Trump's government to the media, while Epshteyn fired back, stating that Musk did not know what he was talking about. Epshteyn is a senior advisor to Trump and has served as a defense attorney in Trump's criminal cases. He was instrumental in pushing for the appointments of several new government candidates last week, including appointing Florida's former Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General and William McGinley as White House Counsel.
Musk proposes building a "Mars Chain": to make Mars Wi-Fi free
According to Fast Technology on November 18, SpaceX founder Musk recently proposed the "Marslink" to NASA at a meeting of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group. The plan will include Mars in the coverage of high-speed Wi-Fi networks and is designed specifically for Mars exploration missions. As an upgraded version of the "Starlink" satellite Internet system, the "Marslink" will deploy multiple satellites to orbit Mars. These satellites will use the advanced laser communication technology of the "Starlink" service to achieve data sharing between the Earth and Mars, thereby greatly promoting the communication efficiency of the Mars exploration mission. Musk emphasized that this is only the first step in achieving high-speed interconnection between the Earth and Mars. He envisioned that in the future, the data transmission rate between the Earth and Mars will need to reach the petabit level per second (that is, 10 to the 15th power bits per second) to meet the growing communication needs. At present, SpaceX occupies a pivotal position in the global rocket launch field. Its main rocket, the Falcon rocket, has successfully completed more than 100 launch missions this year, and the launch frequency is still rising. In addition, SpaceX has successfully won government contracts worth billions of dollars from the US Department of Defense and NASA. Among them, the manned Dragon spacecraft serving NASA, as the only means of transportation for the United States to travel to and from the International Space Station, carries the important task of safely transporting astronauts to the International Space Station.
Trump: Musk will lead government efficiency department BabyMarvin contract tail number (f9c7)
According to Bloomberg, US President-elect Trump said Musk will work with American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As Trump is about to return to the White House, the role that one of his biggest supporters, billionaire Elon Musk, will play in Trump's new administration has attracted much attention. Previously, Trump had publicly stated that if he won the November election, he would adopt Musk's advice and formally establish a "Government Efficiency Commission" led by the latter. The commission will be responsible for "conducting a comprehensive financial and performance audit of the entire federal government" and making recommendations on "drastic reforms" to reduce government spending. Trump did not elaborate on how the commission will operate, only saying that its first task after its establishment will be to develop an action plan within six months to "completely eliminate fraud and improper payments." According to him, this move will save the United States "trillions of dollars" in federal spending.
How will Musk cut costs? He will "kill" government spending
Phoenix.com Technology News On November 17, Beijing time, Elon Musk was promoted to the "Minister" of the U.S. Government's Department of Efficiency, ready to "kill" the U.S. federal government's spending. How will he cut government spending? The outside world may be able to find clues from his past budget cuts for Tesla, X and other companies. According to the New York Times, Musk will study the company's budget in depth, and would rather cut too much than cut too little. If the cut is excessive, he will make up for it afterwards. After Trump took office, Musk is ready to apply these strategies to the U.S. government. Cut spending to death On a Saturday morning in December 2022, Musk convened a conference call with financial executives of Twitter (now renamed X). Just six weeks ago, he had just acquired the social media company. Then, he delved into a spreadsheet containing Twitter's various expenses. According to three people familiar with the meeting, Musk was angry at the time. The billionaire told attendees that even though Twitter had just laid off more than three-quarters of its staff (from nearly 8,000 to more than 1,500), the company's spending still seemed out of control. For the next six hours, Musk read through the numbers in a spreadsheet, line by line, and asked executives to explain each expense. He directly ordered certain projects, such as car services for executives, to be completely cut. At one point, he confronted an employee in charge of a multimillion-dollar website security contract, saying that his electric car company Tesla spent much less on the same task. After the employee pushed back, Musk said she was fired.
Zelensky said he would not be forced to sit at the negotiating table by the United States. Musk: His sense of humor is amazing
On November 16, local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky said in an interview with the media that the United States cannot force Ukraine to "sit down and listen" at the negotiation table, and Ukraine is an independent country. In response, Musk, a close friend of US President-elect Trump and CEO of SpaceX, posted on social media X that Zelensky's "sense of humor" is amazing, and also added a crying and laughing expression. Zelensky said in an interview with Ukrainian media on Saturday that Ukraine must make every effort to end the conflict by diplomatic means next year. Negotiations with Russia are only possible if Ukraine is not facing Russia alone and has a strong position.