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Tariff Costs Put New Pressure on U.S. Corporate Profits

Rising tariff expenses are beginning to weigh heavily on U.S. companies, prompting executives across multiple industries to warn that profit margins may tighten in the months ahead. Many firms had initially suggested they could manage the added costs through efficiency improvements or selective price increases, but that confidence is fading as import-related expenses continue to climb. Companies that rely on global supply chains are feeling the strain most acutely. Higher costs on imported materials and components are forcing difficult decisions: pass the increases on to consumers, risking weaker demand, or absorb the costs internally, which directly erodes profitability. For many businesses, neither option is attractive. Consumer-facing brands are finding it especially challenging to raise prices further, as shoppers show growing sensitivity to even modest increases. This resistance limits the ability of firms to offset tariff-driven expenses, creating a squeeze that is beginning t...

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Trump’s Stormy Waters: How a Porn Star’s Story Rocked the 2016 Campaign

In a dramatic courtroom revelation, Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former fixer, testified that the ex-president’s anger over porn star Stormy Daniels’ story was “all about the campaign.” Let’s delve into the details of this scandal and its impact on the 2016 presidential race.

1. Stormy Daniels’ Allegations: Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, claimed that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, shortly after his marriage to Melania. In 2016, as Trump geared up for his presidential campaign, Daniels threatened to go public with her story. Cohen, who was deeply entrenched in Trump’s inner circle, became the point person for handling this potential crisis.

2. Trump’s Concerns: Cohen testified that Trump was acutely aware of the damage Daniels’ allegations could cause. He reportedly told Cohen, “Women are gonna hate me.” Trump anticipated that multiple women might come forward with similar stories during the campaign, potentially tarnishing his image and alienating female voters.

3. Hush Money Payments: To prevent Daniels from going public, Cohen orchestrated a hush money payment of $130,000 to her just before the 2016 election. The payment was intended to buy her silence and protect Trump’s campaign prospects. However, this strategy backfired when the payment came under scrutiny, leading to legal troubles for both Cohen and Trump.

4. Trump’s Defense Strategy: Throughout the trial, Trump’s defense team argued that the hush money was solely about protecting his family relationships. They claimed it had nothing to do with the campaign. However, Cohen’s testimony directly contradicted this narrative, revealing that Trump’s primary concern was the potential impact on his political aspirations.

5. Catastrophic Fallout: Cohen described Trump’s reaction to Daniels’ story as catastrophic for the campaign. The fear of losing female voters and damaging his public image weighed heavily on Trump’s mind. The scandal threatened to overshadow his policy positions and derail his bid for the presidency.

6. The Verdict: As the trial unfolds, the jury must decide whether Trump’s actions constituted campaign finance violations. The case hinges on whether the hush money payments were made to protect Trump’s political interests or merely to shield his personal life.

In summary, the Stormy Daniels saga became a defining moment in the 2016 campaign, exposing the delicate balance between personal indiscretions and political ambitions. Trump’s anger over the porn star’s story reverberated far beyond the courtroom, leaving an indelible mark on American politics

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