• Home
  • Investing
  • Global
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Tech/AI
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Investing
  • Global
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Tech/AI
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact
LOGIN
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Top Posts
Costco: Compounding Power of Trust and Discipline
Uber: The Rulebreaker’s Playbook
Y Combinator: Accelerator or University
Investing Guidance – Oct 24, 2025
Investing Guidance – Oct 17, 2025
Intel: The Traitorous Eight
Investing Guidance – Nov 12, 2025
Google: Search Box to Empires
Investing Guidance – Nov 7, 2025
Investing Guidance – Nov 19, 2025
SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTERS
  • Home
  • Investing
  • Global
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Tech/AI
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact
Copyright 2021 - All Right Reserved
Greenland and Denmark get ready for a confrontation at the White House
Economy

Greenland and Denmark get ready for a confrontation at the White House

by admin January 14, 2026
written by admin

U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance engage with Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner (not pictured) and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe (not pictured) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington D.C., on June 27, 2025.
Ken Cedeno | Reuters

The Trump administration is gearing up for crucial discussions with Greenlandic and Danish representatives on Wednesday, amidst the U.S. president’s persistent effort to claim Greenland.

Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and her Danish counterpart, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, are anticipated to gather at the White House for discussions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

This high-stakes session takes place shortly after Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen presented a united stance against Trump’s repeated threats of takeover.

At a joint press conference in Copenhagen on Tuesday, Greenland’s Nielsen mentioned that if the self-governing Danish territory is forced to choose between the U.S. and Denmark, “we select Denmark.”

Frederiksen also noted that it has been challenging to resist what she characterized as “completely unacceptable pressure” from our closest ally. “However, there is much indication that the toughest phase is still ahead.”

Trump, who has long desired to incorporate Greenland into the United States, renewed his focus on the expansive and mineral-rich Arctic island after a bold U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3.

Read more

Greenland’s PM has a straightforward message for Trump: ‘We choose Denmark’ over the U.S.
Why most Greenlanders prefer a future without Trump — or Denmark
Tech investors investigate how U.S. acquisition of Greenland would affect mineral extraction

The U.S. president has stated that the island, strategically located between Europe and North America, is crucial “from a national security perspective.”

In recent comments to reporters while aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated the U.S. would assume control of Greenland “one way or the other,” even if it could strain NATO alliance relations.

Trump’s remarks have caused concern in Denmark, which is responsible for defending Greenland, with Frederiksen warning that a U.S. assault would be detrimental to NATO’s existence.

Defense and resources

Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow at GMF, a think tank based in Washington, remarked that the stakes are “very high” for the discussions, cautioning that an inability to resolve the diplomatic turmoil “not only jeopardizes NATO unity but also threatens the future of the Alliance as we recognize it.”

The meeting will likely aim to clarify the potential outcomes and frameworks for negotiating a resolution to the crisis, Lesser stated.

Greenland’s Head of Government (Naalakkersuisut) Jens-Frederik Nielsen (L) and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen deliver a statement on the current situation during a press conference in the Mirror Hall at the Prime Minister’s Office in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 13, 2026.
Liselotte Sabroe | Afp | Getty Images

“There could be fresh European pledges to enhance the defense of Greenland, and more significantly, the adjacent maritime areas. There may also be talks surrounding new preferential access for the U.S. to Greenland’s resources,” Lesser conveyed to CNBC via email.

“Conversely, the meeting could conclude in discord,” he added.

The possibility of a public dispute between U.S. and European representatives at the White House brings to mind a highly charged meeting between Trump, Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February of last year.

Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of a lack of decorum as the meeting drastically went off course, culminating in an unprecedented yelling match broadcast live.

‘A profound crisis’

Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden, expressed his doubts that the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark would reach a diplomatic resolution on Wednesday, labeling the situation as “a profound crisis.”

“I believe a significant shift occurred yesterday when it was announced in Washington that JD Vance, the vice president, would preside over the meeting,” Bildt told CNBC’s “Europe Early Edition” on Wednesday.

“It was initially planned with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has displayed a moderately gentler approach, yet JD Vance has, of course, made direct insults towards Denmark and demanded rather peculiar things,” Bildt remarked.

“I anticipate a fairly tough meeting. I doubt any resolution will emerge. At best, I expect they will commence some sort of dialogue,” he added.

Bildt, serving as co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank, referred to JD Vance’s statements at the Munich Security Conference last year, suggesting his “rather extraordinary” observations about Europe align more closely with the “extreme right” within the region.

“This is not the trans-Atlantic alliance we once had,” he concluded.

What would a good outcome look like?

Otto Svendsen, associate fellow with the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington, stated that tensions between Greenland and Denmark have been sidelined to present a united front against U.S. threats.

The White House meeting, Svendsen noted, will provide further insights regarding the level of commitment the entire Trump administration has toward acquiring Greenland — and how discouraged the administration is by threats of a total breakdown in bilateral relations.

Read more

Greenland’s PM has a straightforward message for Trump: ‘We choose Denmark’ over the U.S.
Why most Greenlanders prefer a future without Trump — or Denmark
Tech investors investigate how U.S. acquisition of Greenland would affect mineral extraction

“An ideal outcome for the Danes and Greenlanders would be a declaration affirming Greenland’s independence and status within the Kingdom. Anything less invites ongoing threats and coercion,” Svendsen informed CNBC through email.

“In exchange, the Danish and Greenlandic delegation will likely propose revisiting economic and security agreements among the three nations, for example, greater access for U.S. firms to the Greenlandic mining sector and expanded Danish investment in Arctic defense,” he added.

Numerous European leaders rallied in support of Greenland last week, asserting that security in the Arctic requires collective efforts.

“Greenland is owned by its populace. It is solely for Denmark and Greenland to make decisions concerning matters related to Denmark and Greenland,” the leaders declared. The letter was endorsed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of Italy, Spain, and Poland.

January 14, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Inside the White House meme-generating apparatus
Tech/AI

Inside the White House meme-generating apparatus

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

A communications expert in politics analyzes Trump’s strategy in utilizing meme media.

Jan 13, 2026, 11:27 PM UTC
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Conducts White House Media Briefing
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Conducts White House Media Briefing

A communications expert in politics analyzes Trump’s strategy in utilizing meme media.

Jan 13, 2026, 11:27 PM UTC
Tina Nguyen
Tina Nguyen is a Senior Reporter for The Verge and writer of Regulator, covering the second Trump administration, political influencers, tech lobbying and Big Tech vs. Big Government.

Welcome to Regulator, a newsletter intended for Verge subscribers about technology, oligarchs and the mindset rapidly reshaping politics and civic society. Not yet a subscriber to The Verge? You ought to! It could significantly benefit your life.

The previous week served as a stark reminder that regardless of the type of atrocity being committed or how many casualties arise, the instinctual reaction from the Trump administration is to engage in petty mockery. The response from the White House via X regarding the kidnapping of a sovereign leader? “FAFO”. The reply to an ICE officer shooting a woman openly in daylight? A listicle styled like Buzzfeed titled “57 Instances of Disturbed, Unhinged Democrats Waging War on Law Enforcement.” ICE agents detaining demonstrators? “Welcome to the Find Out phase.”

For most individuals keeping tabs on current affairs, the meme activity of the Trump administration comes across as harsh and brutally insensitive. However, a disillusioned insider in politics might also interpret Trump’s barrage of memes as part of a media tactic known as “rapid response”: the ongoing effort to swiftly craft the political narrative surrounding a breaking news situation, often within moments, before the press or rivals can influence the narrative for you.

“Every political office, every campaign possesses a dedicated team that assists them in strategically reacting to news events that exceed their reach,” stated Lis Smith, a prominent Democratic communications strategist based in NYC. This profession has existed since the dawn of the 24-hour news cycle, when cable stations could assemble a panel of commentators to discuss recent news, and the demand has surged dramatically in the age of social media. “You cannot oversee all the narratives that will be out there, so it’s crucial to manage the disorder that’s entering your environment.”

Smith was the rapid response director for Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, one of the pioneering campaigns to fully embrace social media, and worked in the communications offices for several mayors and Democratic candidates in New York City. She’s widely acknowledged for significantly boosting Pete Buttigieg’s public profile, transitioning him from a lesser-known mayor to a viable presidential contender as his communications director. She assesses social platforms based on their communication efficiency: X, previously known as Twitter, remains the optimal platform for disseminating “text-based rapid response communications such as written statements” to a diverse array of “elites and opinion-shapers.” A Bluesky-based communications plan might engage a supportive left-wing audience, but is unlikely to “break through” to the broader demographic, nor will a Rumble-based initiative extend beyond the right-wing sphere.

Crucially: memes might serve as a quick means of relaying a political message to a niche audience familiar with the inside humor, but the jest is seldom comprehended by those outside that circle — particularly individuals who might once have been sympathetic to the idea of curbing illegal immigration, yet feel repulsed by the manner in which the Trump administration executes its policies. The memes reflect this mentality. “The administration’s meme usage effectively diminishes the political dialogue,” said Smith. “It strips away the humanity, seriousness, and complexity that’s necessary, replacing it solely with brutishness.”

Before diving into my chat with Smith, here’s The Verge’s most recent updates regarding the political tech dystopia:

This week at The Verge:

  • “Capturing Maduro was purely for show”, Elizabeth Lopatto and Sarah Jeong: Real lives have been lost due to Donald Trump’s thirst for spectacle.
  • “America’s new wave of energy imperialism exceeds mere oil”, Justine Calma: Trump’s ambitions include Venezuela’s oil, Greenland’s minerals, and ultimately — authority.
  • “The MAGA-endorsed footage of an ICE shooting”, Mia Sato: Following a federal agent’s shooting of a woman in Minneapolis, the Trump administration discovered its preferred framing of the event.
  • “Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai exhibit cowardice”, Elizabeth Lopatto: X’s deepfake pornography feature evidently breaches app store regulations. Why do Apple and Google hesitate to remove it?
  • “Trump’s fundraisers approached Microsoft for a donation to the White House ballroom”, Emma Roth: Amazon has also acknowledged prior communication with fundraisers months ahead of the White House’s October donor disclosure.
  • “New York seeks to regulate Roblox”, Lauren Feiner: Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized online safety requirements for children within her state policy agenda.
  • “Ex-NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces accusations of a $2.5 million crypto ‘rug pull’ as his NYC Token plummets”, Emma Roth: The NYC token’s worth reached approximately $580 million before collapsing to $130 million.
  • “Unable to locate the Trump phone at America’s largest tech show”, Dominic Preston: I searched extensively, but Trump Mobile is noticeably absent at this year’s CES.

“A meme that elicits laughter or cruelty will likely disperse faster than nuanced content”

This interview has been refined for clarity.

You began your career when Twitter, prior to becoming X, was essentially the primary online media space for politics. How has rapid response evolved in an environment where there’s an overwhelming amount of narratives to control across various media?

It has become increasingly challenging. In the ’90s, a significant shift occurred with the introduction of the 24-hour news cycle amplified by cable news. In the late 2000s and the early 2010s, social media sparked another major evolution, particularly through Twitter, enabling immediate responses to news as it unfolded. However, it’s evident now that conveying your message has become more difficult with the fragmentation of social media platforms. People engage with X differently today compared to a decade ago, and your message is less likely to resonate as effectively on a platform like X now due to shifts in verification processes, etc.

Thus, you have to adopt a comprehensive communication strategy, targeting traditional outlets with press releases and direct outreach to reporters and networks, while simultaneously engaging in real time on social media. This involves not only using X, but also engaging with Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, and all those platforms, because never before have people’s media consumption behaviors been so splintered.

Do political candidates utilize specific platforms for specific political objectives or leanings?

X remains a key player in American politics for disseminating rapid response communications, particularly text-based messages like written announcements, as it is where political insiders, analysts, and journalists congregate. Most messaging effectively emanates from there. The fragmentation is more noticeable in the domain of short-form video, with some campaigns favoring TikTok, others leaning more into Instagram; a preference for particular platforms is evident along partisan lines. However, Bluesky on the left will never match X’s efficiency in reaching elite figures and opinion leaders — similarly, Truth Social or Discord on the right won’t be effective for reaching those circles either.

Let’s delve into the nature of the messaging itself. I know that Kamala Harris and Biden attempted to embrace memes during their 2024 campaigns, but evidently not as successfully as Trump, whose meme usage appears considerably prevalent within his administration. Is there a particular way operatives assess the meme format as a political messaging instrument?

The meme format tends to circulate rapidly. It’s tailored for a specific audience that will grasp it immediately, simplifying a political narrative. However, the downside is that it remains heavily audience-dependent. Not everyone recognizes a Family Guy meme, nor is everyone familiar with a Patriots meme, or any given viral meme.

Another drawback of the meme format is that it often strips away essential context and humanity. When the administration shares somewhat amusing memes about deportations or ICE, it tends to eliminate the empathy and compassion that typically accompany the immigration discourse. Many people accept that illegal immigration poses issues and recognize the need for action. But they also acknowledge the humanity of those involved in these situations and find it inappropriate to trivialize scenarios such as ice raids during school pick-ups, family separations, or parents’ tears as they are taken away from their children.

I recently listened to Joe Rogan interview Shane Gillis, and they discussed this topic. Both Rogan and Shane Gillis have shown favorable sentiments towards Trump in the elections — Rogan more emphatically than Gillis — yet Gillis mentioned, I want our government to take the illegal immigration crisis earnestly. I don’t want it to be humorous to them. This sentiment resonates with the feelings of many regarding these matters.

When serious issues are distilled into cruel, comedic memes, they risk alienating potential supporters who might agree with the overall viewpoint if approached with greater maturity and compassion. However, the administration opts to prioritize speed and virality over humanity and maturity, suggesting that those elements are irrelevant. A viral meme — whether humorous or cruel — is likely to propagate quicker than nuanced discussions. They favor rapid spread over depth and seriousness.

Your insight aligns well with what we’ve contemplated at The Verge: my colleagues interpreted Trump’s capture of Maduro and their reaction to the ICE shooting as evidence that this government’s policy embodies a meme mentality — valuing speed, virality, and delivering their narrative before the public can process events.

There exists a fleeting timeframe in which individuals — from journalists and voters to anyone online — attempt to comprehend the unfolding situation and their personal reactions to breaking news. Rapid response is aimed at filling that gap and shaping opinions; however, there are significant concerns regarding the Trump administration’s methods. In the short term, they may achieve wins in viral meme culture. Yet over a longer horizon, their communication style surrounding issues — be it the tragic shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, or the broader topic of deportations — may end up undermining the political discussions. The public desires tangible actions regarding these issues, but they reject unabashed cruelty.

Moreover, if they [the administration] rapidly release inaccurate information, it merely compounds the public’s distrust in government institutions and the administration itself. While this might ultimately work to the Trump administration’s advantage — as increased skepticism towards official narratives could play into their favor — overall, disseminating false information that achieves viral traction can be detrimental, eroding the trust people place in their statements. This is particularly harmful for their relationships with news outlets and influential figures who would typically regard presidential pronouncements with credulity.

Is it premature to contemplate meme warfare in the upcoming midterm elections — swaying opinions to prompt voting behavior and disseminating messaging with urgency?

I doubt that the meme-centric approach of this administration will benefit Republicans during the midterms. I believe if you were to consult many Republicans operating in swing districts or regions, and you were to present them with the memes propagated by this administration, they likely would not endorse them, nor would they concur that this amounts to effective political strategy. As previously mentioned, the administration’s employment of memes tends to simplify the political discourse. It strips away required humanity, seriousness, and nuance, relegating discussions to mere cruelty. The electorate that will emerge in 2026 — while some may align with the embracing of cruelty by the MAGA base — others who need persuading have nuanced views about issues like illegal immigration, advocating for secure borders and stricter enforcement, but should not be bombarded with memes trivializing a father’s detention in handcuffs.

I envision that the administration’s fixation on immediacy and viral success could yield political repercussions. The tone currently adopted online will have ramifications for Republicans as they head into 2026, barring an eventual misstep from Democrats concerning immigration policy.

Additionally, a significant number of voters influencing the midterm results are older demographics. They may not engage directly with memes, nor grasp their context. This aspect is often overlooked: even though a more significant share of the populace is accessing news through social media, many key decision-makers in elections — the individuals Republicans need to persuade — do not consume memes. The electoral payoff from this tactic remains uncertain.

And now, Recess.

Referencing memes that encapsulate political arguments:

Until next week.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

  • Tina Nguyen
  • Social Media

Most Popular

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The RAM shortage’s upside: fewer conversations about “AI PCs”
Tech/AI

The RAM shortage’s upside: fewer conversations about “AI PCs”

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

RAM costs have surged, creating headaches for anyone looking to purchase, assemble, or upgrade a PC this year, though it may be welcome news for those fed up with talk of so-called AI PCs.

As Ars Technica has reported, rising demands from data centers, driven by the AI boom, have produced a shortage of RAM and flash memory chips, pushing costs sharply higher.

In a statement today, Ben Yeh, principal analyst at technology research firm Omdia, said that in 2025, “mainstream PC memory and storage prices climbed by 40 percent to 70 percent, resulting in those increases being passed on to customers.”

Overall, global PC shipments rose in 2025, according to Omdia, (which put growth at 9.2 percent versus 2024), and IDC, (which today reported 9.6 percent growth), but analysts warn that PC sales are likely to be more turbulent in 2026.

“The year ahead is shaping up to be extremely volatile,” Jean Philippe Bouchard, research VP with IDC’s worldwide mobile device trackers, said in a statement.

Both analyst firms anticipate PC makers will address the RAM shortfall by raising prices and by introducing machines with lower memory configurations. IDC expects price increases of 15 to 20 percent and that PC RAM specs “will be lowered on average to preserve memory inventory on hand,” Bouchard said. Omdia’s Yeh forecasts “leaner mid- to low-tier configurations to protect margins.”

“These RAM shortages will extend beyond 2026, and the more price-sensitive segment of the market will be hit hardest,” Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for worldwide mobile device trackers at IDC, told Ars via email.

IDC expects vendors to “prioritize midrange and premium systems to offset higher component costs, especially memory.”

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The founder of WeatherTech could be the latest US official for consumer protection.
Tech/AI

The founder of WeatherTech could be the latest US official for consumer protection.

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

The CEO of the car mat company has pledged to keep manufacturing based in the US.

The CEO of the car mat company has pledged to keep manufacturing based in the US.

Jan 13, 2026, 10:28 PM UTC
STKS500_FTC_A
STKS500_FTC_A
Lauren Feiner
Lauren Feiner is a senior policy journalist at The Verge, focusing on the overlap between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. She previously spent five years at CNBC covering tech policy, focusing on antitrust, privacy, and content moderation reform.

President Donald Trump has made an unexpected choice for his nomination to the Federal Trade Commission: WeatherTech’s founder and CEO David MacNeil.

Founded in 1989, according to its website, MacNeil leads the company which produces weather-resistant car mats and maintains complete ownership of it. WeatherTech is dedicated to keeping its production and jobs within the US. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson commended MacNeil on X, describing him as an “excellent businessman and a true patriot,” and shared a video segment where MacNeil expressed his dedication to US manufacturing. Should he be confirmed, MacNeil would fill the third seat of the panel previously held by Melissa Holyoak, who is now serving as a US Attorney in Utah.

MacNeil’s credentials are somewhat atypical for a commissioner of the FTC. Most members have backgrounds in law, academia, or prior experience on Capitol Hill. MacNeil is a reported billionaire who recently acquired a mansion for $75 million near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. He has been a Republican donor, supporting Trump, but in 2018, he threatened to withdraw financial support from candidates unwilling to back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative.

Nevertheless, his experience could align with some of the current enforcement and regulatory objectives of the FTC, including the enforcement of the Made in the USA Labeling Rule to guard against misleading marketing practices. MacNeil must gain confirmation from the Senate, where Democrats will likely object to Trump’s lack of nominations for Democrats to fill the typically five-member panel following the firing of two members contrary to Supreme Court rulings.

Follow topics and authors from this report to receive similar updates in your personalized homepage feed and to get email notifications.

  • Lauren Feiner

Most Popular

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Previously unseen Linux malware is far more sophisticated than typical
Tech/AI

Previously unseen Linux malware is far more sophisticated than typical

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

Security researchers uncovered a previously unseen framework that compromises Linux systems using a broad collection of modules distinguished by the wide array of sophisticated functions they offer attackers.

The framework, named VoidLink in its source, contains over 30 modules enabling attackers to tailor capabilities for each compromised host. These modules can add stealth and supply targeted tools for reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within an infiltrated network. Operators can add or remove components easily as campaign goals evolve.

A focus on Linux inside the cloud

VoidLink can target hosts on major cloud providers by checking whether an infected instance runs on AWS, GCP, Azure, Alibaba, or Tencent, and indications suggest the authors intend to add detection for Huawei, DigitalOcean, and Vultr in upcoming versions. To determine the cloud provider, VoidLink inspects instance metadata via the vendor’s API.

Comparable frameworks aimed at Windows servers have been widespread for years, while equivalents on Linux are rarer. VoidLink’s capabilities are unusually extensive and, as Checkpoint researchers who uncovered the framework put it, “far more advanced than typical Linux malware,” said researchers from Checkpoint, the security firm that discovered VoidLink. Its development could signal that attackers are broadening their focus to encompass Linux systems, cloud infrastructure, and application deployment platforms as organizations shift more workloads into those environments.

“VoidLink represents a full ecosystem built to sustain prolonged, covert access to breached Linux hosts, especially those operating on public cloud platforms and within containerized settings,” the researchers said in a separate post. “The framework’s architecture shows planning and investment more typical of professional threat actors than opportunistic ones, raising the risk that defenders may never realize their infrastructure has been quietly taken over.”

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Greenland's PM states that we prefer Denmark to the US.
Global

Greenland’s PM states that we prefer Denmark to the US.

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

The prime minister of Greenland has stated that his citizens would select Denmark over the United States if presented with that option “here and now”.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen’s statement at a joint press conference with Denmark’s prime minister represents the strongest position by a spokesperson from the semi-autonomous Danish territory since US President Donald Trump revived his proposal to annex it.

Trump argues that the US needs to “own” Greenland for defense against Russia and China. The White House has proposed purchasing the island but has not dismissed the possibility of using force for annexation.

Denmark is a member of NATO, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned that the use of military force could lead to the downfall of the trans-Atlantic defense alliance.

When asked later on Tuesday about Nielsen’s remarks, Trump responded: “That’s their issue, I disagree with him… That’s going to create a major problem for him.”

Although Greenland is the most sparsely populated territory, its location between North America and the Arctic positions it advantageously for early warning systems regarding missile strikes and for monitoring maritime traffic in the area.

Trump has consistently maintained that Greenland is crucial to US national security, asserting without evidence that it was “swarmed with Russian and Chinese ships everywhere”.

The US currently has over 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base in the north-western part of Greenland – a site that has been under US control since World War II.

According to existing agreements with Denmark, the US can deploy as many troops to Greenland as it sees fit.

However, Trump told reporters in Washington last week that a lease arrangement wasn’t sufficient – the US “needed to have ownership” and insisted that “NATO must understand that”.

At the news conference in Copenhagen, Frederiksen spoke candidly as she criticized the “entirely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally”.

She warned that “there are many signs that the most difficult challenges lie ahead of us”.

The Greenlandic prime minister stated they were “confronting a geopolitical crisis”, but the island’s stance was unmistakable:

“If we must choose between the United States and Denmark at this moment, we choose Denmark,” he affirmed.

“It must be clear to everyone. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.”

The Copenhagen news conference took place a day before Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt are set to visit the US for meetings with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Denmark’s NATO allies – prominent European nations as well as Canada – have shown their support this week with statements reaffirming that “only Denmark and Greenland can determine their relationships”.

Emphasizing that they share the same commitment to Arctic security as the US, they have stated that this should be accomplished by allies, including the US, “collectively”.

They also advocated for “upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders”.

Concerns regarding the territory’s future were reignited after Trump’s military actions against Venezuela on Saturday aimed at seizing its president, Nicolás Maduro.

Trump had previously attempted to purchase the island in 2019, during his initial presidential term, only to be informed it was not for sale.

In recent years, interest in Greenland’s natural resources – including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron – has surged as these have become more accessible due to the melting ice caused by climate change. Scientists also believe it could hold significant oil and gas reserves.

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Warren Buffett continued to hunt for that elephant to acquire during his last months as CEO of Berkshire.
Economy

Warren Buffett continued to hunt for that elephant to acquire during his last months as CEO of Berkshire.

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

In this piece

  • BRK.A
Keep track of your preferred stocksCREATE FREE ACCOUNT
Warren Buffett and Greg Abel navigate through the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 3, 2025.
David A. Grogen | CNBC

As he approached the end of his leadership at Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett was still on the hunt for that rare elephant.

The legendary 95-year-old investor, who transferred the CEO responsibilities to Greg Abel at the beginning of 2026, emphasized that the size of deals was not the issue; the shortage of opportunities was.

“It’s external factors. Trust me, if after we conclude our conversation you say, ‘I’ve got an incredible $100 billion proposal.’ I would respond, ‘Let’s converse,'” Buffett shared with Becky Quick during a unique interview in May following his announcement of his retirement at the year’s end.

This unseen interview is included in the “Warren Buffett: A Life and Legacy” special that airs Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC.

His comments highlight a significant contradiction currently facing Berkshire. The company is flush with cash, boasting a cash reserve reaching an unprecedented $381.6 billion at the close of Q3, yet Buffett identified no substantial opportunities in 2025 at prices he considers reasonable.

“It signifies that when I observe the stock market, when I assess companies of a size that could impact us significantly, I see nothing. Sure, we’re acquiring one or two things, but they are negligible. However, I’m ready to invest $100 billion this afternoon, you know,” Buffett, now serving as chairman, remarked to CNBC.

In October, Berkshire finalized a transaction to acquire Occidental Petroleum’s chemical division, OxyChem, for $9.7 billion in cash, representing its largest acquisition since 2022 when it purchased insurer Alleghany for $11.6 billion.

Berkshire’s cash reserves have escalated notably following Buffett’s strategic divestments of major portions of his two largest investments, Apple and Bank of America.

Buffett does not wish to maintain an excess of cash. He has consistently cautioned that cash is not a favorable long-term asset, while advocating for holding sufficient reserves to handle unforeseen circumstances.

“I would prefer to have $100 billion and a truly excellent business at a rational price than hold $100 billion in cash,” he expressed. “At specific levels, cash becomes essential, but it is not an optimal asset.”

He compared liquidity to air, inexpensive to sustain but devastating to lack at critical times.

“You always aim to have enough,” Buffett stated. “You don’t have to overpay for it. But oxygen is necessary. And cash functions similarly. It should always be accessible because you can’t predict what will occur. I cannot foresee the stock market’s trajectory, nor can I predict business performance.”

Abel has been a long-standing associate who has been instrumental in numerous Berkshire acquisitions, particularly in the energy sector, and he has significantly contributed to the transformation of Berkshire Hathaway Energy into a leader in the field.

Though Abel’s reputation for deal-making is well established, Berkshire shareholders might not grant him the same leniency they have shown Buffett over the years. With the conglomerate sitting on a vast cash pile and stocks lagging behind the market, the demand to allocate capital could swiftly become a pivotal hurdle for the new CEO.

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World central bank leaders 'unite in support' of US Fed chair Powell
Global

World central bank leaders ‘unite in support’ of US Fed chair Powell

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

Global central banks have united to express their “full solidarity” with the chair of the Federal Reserve following the initiation of a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell by the US.

Among the 11 high-ranking bankers who signed the statement are the leaders of the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Canada, underscoring the crucial nature of independence in interest rate setting.

They remarked, “Chair Powell has performed his duties with integrity, adhering to his mandate and showing unwavering commitment to the public good.”

The investigation is being led by the Department of Justice. President Donald Trump stated he had “no knowledge” regarding the inquiry.

The inquiry relates to testimony provided by Powell to a Senate committee concerning renovations to Federal Reserve facilities.

This follows a relentless year of criticism aimed at the Fed chair by Trump, who has urged the Fed to adopt more aggressive practices in reducing borrowing costs.

In addition to criticizing Powell’s interest rate decisions, Trump has made personal remarks, referring to the Fed chair as a “major loser” and a “numbskull”.

Regarding the Fed chair, the international central bankers noted in their joint statement: “For us, he is a valued colleague who is highly esteemed by all who have collaborated with him.”

Until recently, Powell had largely refrained from responding to Trump’s criticisms, but on Sunday, he publicly defended himself, cautioning that the autonomy of the US central bank was in jeopardy.

“This is about whether the Fed can persist in setting interest rates grounded in evidence and economic realities, or if monetary policy will be influenced by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell stated.

Since September, the Fed has lowered interest rates three times, maintaining its key lending rate at approximately 3.6%.

However, there is a split among policymakers regarding the subsequent steps. Some express concerns that further cuts might fuel inflation, which remains persistently elevated.

Consumer prices increased by 2.7% over the year leading up to December, as per official data released on Tuesday. This rate was consistent with November’s figures and exceeded the Fed’s 2% target.

In their collective statement on Tuesday, the global financial institutions emphasized: “Central bank independence is fundamental to price, financial, and economic stability for the benefit of the citizens we represent.”

“It is essential to uphold that independence, while fully respecting the rule of law and democratic accountability.”

Powell, appointed as Fed chair by Trump in 2017 during his initial term, is expected to resign in May.

Trump is likely to announce his successor in the weeks ahead.

Several Republicans have voiced their opposition to the justice department’s actions against the Fed.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, stated he would resist the nomination of Powell’s replacement by Trump, as well as any other Fed Board nominee, until the issue was “completely resolved”.

The committee’s approval is necessary for the next Fed nominee, so if Tillis remains firm in that commitment, it could postpone the nomination of any Trump selection to succeed Powell.

His fellow Republican committee member, Senator Kevin Cramer, remarked that while he believed Powell was not an effective Fed chair, he did not think Powell was a criminal. He suggested that to restore faith in the Fed, the investigation ought to proceed quickly.

Another Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski, characterized the investigation as “an act of coercion.”

Powell has also received support from three former chairs of the Fed – Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan. Numerous other distinguished former officials have openly expressed their backing for him and the independence of the bank.

Yellen, who was Powell’s immediate predecessor, described the criminal investigation as “incredibly chilling,” cautioning that investors should be wary.

“You have a president who insists the Fed ought to decrease rates to lessen payments on the federal debt… It is the path to a banana republic,” she commented on CNBC.

The complete list of signatories includes:

  • Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England
  • Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank
  • Erik Thedéen, governor of Sveriges Riksbank
  • Christian Kettel Thomsen, chairman of the Danmarks Nationalbank
  • Martin Schlegel, chairman of the Swiss National Bank
  • Michele Bullock, governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia
  • Tiff Macklem, governor of the Bank of Canada
  • Chang Yong Rhee, governor of the Bank of Korea
  • Gabriel Galípolo, governor of the Banco Central do Brasil
  • François Villeroy de Galhau, chair of the Bank for International Settlements
  • Pablo Hernández de Cos, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements
January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The Download: sodium-ion batteries and the promising technological future of China
Tech/AI

The Download: sodium-ion batteries and the promising technological future of China

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

Welcome to today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter designed to keep you updated on the latest happenings in technology.

Sodium-ion batteries are starting to be integrated into vehicles and power grids

For many years, lithium-ion batteries have served as the power source for our smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. However, the limited availability and fluctuating costs of lithium have prompted the industry to look for more stable substitutes. Introducing: sodium-ion batteries. 

These function similarly to lithium-ion batteries: they store and discharge energy by transferring ions between two electrodes. Yet, contrary to lithium, which is a relatively scarce resource sourced from only a few nations, sodium is affordable and widely available. Discover why it is set to play a bigger role in our energy future.

—Caiwei Chen

Sodium-ion batteries are among MIT Technology Review’s 10 Breakthrough Technologies for this year. See what else made the cut. 

CES highlighted why Chinese tech firms are so hopeful

—Caiwei Chen

I opted to attend CES somewhat last minute. During the holiday season, contacts from China inundated me with texts regarding their travel plans. After several “See you in Vegas?” messages, I gave in. As a tech writer focused on China residing in the US, there’s one week annually when my entire area of focus seems to converge—no lengthy flights involved.

CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is the largest tech exhibition globally, where businesses unveil new devices and announce advancements, taking place every January. China has consistently been part of CES, but this year it made a significant impression. Chinese firms presented everything from AI gadgets to home appliances and robots, with an optimistic overall sentiment. Find out why.

This article first appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter offering an inside look at the developments in AI. Subscribe to receive it every Monday.

This firm is working on gene therapies for muscle development, erectile issues, and “extreme longevity”

Later this month, a small group of volunteers will participate in an experimental gene therapy clinical trial. According to Ivan Morgunov, the CEO of Unlimited Bio, the firm conducting the trial, these treatments are potential longevity solutions.  

The volunteers, who are individually covering their travel and treatment expenses, will undergo a series of injections in their arms and legs. One therapy aims to enhance blood flow to those muscles, while the other promotes muscle growth. The firm anticipates seeing advancements in strength, endurance, and recovery and plans to eventually test similar therapies for the scalp (treating baldness) and penis (addressing erectile dysfunction). 

However, experts caution that the trial size is too limited and may not yield significant insights. Read the complete story. 

—Jessica Hamzelou

The essential reads

I’ve scoured the internet to bring you today’s most interesting/important/terrifying/captivating technology stories.

1 Apple collaborates with Google to revitalize Siri with AI
This marks a significant victory for Google and a setback for OpenAI. (CNBC)

2 Trump seeks Elon Musk’s assistance to end Iran’s internet blackout
He’s urging Musk to enable Iranians to bypass it using Starlink. (WP $)
+ Smuggled technology serves as Iran’s sole connection to the outside world. (The Guardian)

3 Right-wing influencers have descended upon Minneapolis
Their aim is to portray it as a chaotic city and justify ICE’s shooting of Renee Nicole Good. (Wired $)

4 The Pentagon is incorporating Musk’s Grok AI chatbot
Just as it faces international criticism over creating non-consensual deepfakes. (NPR)
+ The UK is initiating a formal investigation into X. (The Guardian)
+ New legislation will be introduced to outlaw such image creation. (BBC)

5 The initiative to power AI is wreaking havoc on coastal villages in Taiwan
A swift expansion of wind energy is negatively impacting farmers and fishermen. (Rest of World)
+ Instead of worrying about your AI impact, focus on the broader picture. (MIT Technology Review)

6 Don’t expect a ChatGPT breakthrough for robots anytime soon
AI has achieved remarkable progress in robotics, but we are still far from human-like abilities. (FT $)
+ Will we ever accept humanoid robots in our households? (MIT Technology Review)

7 Meta is gearing up to cut hundreds of positions within the metaverse division
Reality Labs belongs to the past—now the focus is on AI. (NYT $)

8 We could potentially eliminate influenza
A “universal” flu vaccine may provide significantly better protection than current alternatives. (Vox $)

9 You can now book a hotel stay on the moon
It’s available for just $250,000. (Ars Technica)
+ This astronaut is preparing tourists for flights to the first-ever commercial space station. (MIT Technology Review)

10 AI-generated images are complicating the search for some monkeys in Missouri
For real. 🙈 (AP) 

Quote of the day

“In major cities, everyone exists as a solitary, detached individual. People reside in soundproof homes, unaware of their neighbors’ surnames.”

—A user on the social media platform RedNote discusses the popularity of a new app named ‘Are you dead’ in China, Business Insider reports. 

One last note

""

STUART BRADFORD

AI is also making its way into music

While large language models that generate text have surged in popularity over the last three years, another kind of AI utilizing diffusion models is making a significant mark on creative fields. 

By converting random noise into structured patterns, diffusion models can produce new images, videos, or audio based on text prompts or other data inputs. The top models generate results that are indistinguishable from those crafted by humans.

These models are now moving into a creative arena that could be even more susceptible to disruption than any other: music. Their outputs highlight the increasing complexity of defining authorship and originality in the AI era. Read the entire narrative.

—James O’Donnell

We can still enjoy nice things

A hub for comfort, entertainment, and distraction to brighten your day. (Do you have any suggestions? Send me a message or message me on.)

+ Bricking your phone is the new trend for Dry January. 
+ If you’re craving an adventure this year, check out this National Geographic compilation.
+ Very few individuals are as passionately punk as women experiencing menopause, as highlighted in this new television show ($).
+ Take a look at how Pallas cats keep warm during winter.

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Orsted rises 6% following a U.S. judge's decision that allows the company to continue its wind project that was stopped by Trump.
Economy

Orsted rises 6% following a U.S. judge’s decision that allows the company to continue its wind project that was stopped by Trump.

by admin January 13, 2026
written by admin

A turbine blade is hoisted onto a rack adjacent to tower sections at the assembly site of the Revolution Wind project at State Pier in New London, Connecticut, USA, on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Shares of the Danish renewable energy leader Orsted climbed nearly 6% on Tuesday morning, shortly following a U.S. judge’s decision permitting the company to continue work on its nearly completed Revolution Wind project.

This ruling represents a legal challenge for the fossil fuel-supporting Trump administration, which attempted to obstruct the $5 billion Revolution Wind endeavor.

The White House stopped five significant offshore wind projects at the end of the previous year, including Orsted’s project located off the Rhode Island coast. Officials referenced national security issues highlighted by the Pentagon as justification for the halt.

Earlier this month, Orsted initiated a legal challenge against the Trump administration’s action, stating that the lease suspension would inflict “significant damage” on the Revolution Wind project.

Revolution Wind represents an equal partnership between Orsted and Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables. In a submission made last year, Orsted and Skyborn Renewables disclosed they had already invested around $5 billion in the project.

Orsted’s shares traded 5.6% higher at roughly 8:20 a.m. London time (3:20 a.m. ET).

This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.

January 13, 2026 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

Follow Us

Recent Posts

  • Greenland and Denmark get ready for a confrontation at the White House

    January 14, 2026
  • Inside the White House meme-generating apparatus

    January 13, 2026
  • The RAM shortage’s upside: fewer conversations about “AI PCs”

    January 13, 2026
  • The founder of WeatherTech could be the latest US official for consumer protection.

    January 13, 2026
  • Previously unseen Linux malware is far more sophisticated than typical

    January 13, 2026

Newsletter

Join the BusinessStory newsletter for fresh insights, market analysis, and new stories!

Categories

  • Business (13)
  • Economy (202)
  • Global (221)
  • Investing (8)
  • Lifestyle (51)
  • Tech/AI (572)
  • Uncategorized (7)

Our Company

We’re dedicated to telling true stories from all around the world.

  • 111 Wellesley St W, Toronto
  • Phone: (686) 587 6876
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Support: [email protected]

About Links

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise With Us
  • Media Relations
  • Corporate Information
  • Compliance
  • Apps & Products

Useful Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Closed Captioning Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Personal Information
  • Data Tracking
  • Register New Account

Newsletter

Join the BusinessStory newsletter for fresh insights, market analysis, and new stories!

Latest Posts

Previously unseen Linux malware is far more sophisticated than typical
Greenland’s PM states that we prefer Denmark to the US.
Warren Buffett continued to hunt for that elephant to acquire during his last months as CEO of Berkshire.
World central bank leaders ‘unite in support’ of US Fed chair Powell

@2025 – All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by BusinessStory.org

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube Email
  • Home
  • Investing
  • Global
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Tech/AI
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact