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Prominent economist Claudia Sahm has criticized the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41927289/trump-appoints-elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamy-to-lead-doge-targeting-bureaucracy-and-65-trillion-federal-spending-we-will-not-go-gently">its leadership&#8217;s approach to government spending</a>, particularly regarding their stance on the U.S. Census Bureau&#8217;s 2010 Super Bowl advertisement.
What Happened: The controversy emerged after DOGE posted examples of government spending on X (formerly Twitter), including &#8220;$2.5 million on a Super Bowl Ad for the Census.&#8221; 
Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, recently appointed as co-director of DOGE alongside Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, responded that &#8220;the federal government shouldn&#8217;t be in the business of buying Super Bowl ads.&#8221;
Sahm, creator of the widely-referenced Sahm Rule indicator, countered Ramaswamy&#8217;s position, <a href="https://x.com/Claudia_Sahm/status/1860781540445163719">stating</a>, &#8220;Rule of thumb: the Census is in the Constitution. Do your legal job well.&#8221; She defended the Census Bureau&#8217;s decision, noting that the advertisement&#8217;s effectiveness could potentially save taxpayers money.
The Census Bureau had previously justified the $2.5 million expenditure, explaining that every 1% increase in mail-in responses would save $85 million in door-to-door collection costs.
Sahm expressed broader concerns about DOGE&#8217;s approach, stating, &#8220;There is so much good that &#8216;outside the box thinking&#8217; in the government could do… but it&#8217;s being wasted on destructive, simplistic thinking. DOGE is on track to be a wasted opportunity.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42154628/larry-page-google-co-founder-said-hed-leave-his-fortune-to-elon-musk-over-charity-because-of-his-plans-to-go-to-mars-to-back-up-humanity">Larry Page, Google Co-Founder, Said He&#8217;d Leave His Fortune To Elon Musk Over Charity Because Of His Plans &#8216;To Go To Mars To Back Up Humanity&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The economist also criticized DOGE&#8217;s focus on reducing resources and employees, arguing that some efficiency improvements would require additional investment. &#8220;A MASSIVE overhaul of the IT as one example would be huge,&#8221; she noted.
DOGE, announced by President-elect Donald Trump, aims to restructure federal agencies and reduce the government&#8217;s $6.5 trillion annual spending. 
The department has faced additional criticism from former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who characterized it as &#8220;riddled with conflicts of interest,&#8221; particularly regarding Musk&#8217;s involvement given his companies&#8217; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/24/11/41962372/trumps-doge-with-musk-at-the-helm-riddled-with-conflicts-of-interest-says-clinton-era-official-robert-reich">federal contracts and ongoing investigations</a>.
The department is scheduled to complete its work by Jul 4, 2026, coinciding with America&#8217;s 250th independence anniversary.
DOGE&#8217;s acronym coincides with the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), leading to a 30.79% price bump in the coin after the department's name was announced. Market speculation attributes this rise to Musk's known association with Dogecoin.
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Image via Flickr
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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$DOGE

Economist Slams DOGE: Tells Elon Musk-Led Initiative To 'Do Your Legal Job Well' Amid Super Bowl Ad Spending Clash

Bitcoin recovered strongly from its morning fall as cryptocurrency investors prepared for Thanksgiving.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.05%</td>
<td>$97,873.88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-1.93%</td>
<td>$3,349.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-3.03%</td>
<td>$0.4231</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: The leading cryptocurrency fell below $96,000 during the afternoon, only to recover losses as the evening progressed.
On Friday, the asset nearly reached the record $100,000 level before stalling due to a strong pushback from the bears.
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, failed to replicate its senior token&#8217;s comeback, ending the 24-hour period down by nearly 2%.
The sharp correction caused mayhem in the cryptocurrency derivatives market, with over $511 million getting liquidated in the last 24 hours. About $380 million in leveraged long bets were wiped out.
Bitcoin's Open Interest (OI) dropped marginally by 0.20%, while the number of short positions for the coin surged dramatically against longs in the last 24 hours.
Market sentiment remained in the "Extreme Greed" zone, as per the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index, signaling a desire to buy more.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Sandbox (SAND)</td>
<td>+73.46%</td>
<td>$0.7739</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Decentraland (MANA)</td>
<td>+31.24%</td>
<td>$0.7014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tezos (XTZ)</td>
<td>+15.88%</td>
<td>$1.35</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.33 trillion, following a marginal contraction of 0.69% in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures inched higher Sunday night. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures rose 226 points, or 0.51%, as of 7:45 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.42%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.49%.
The shortened Thanksgiving trading week would see the release of October's personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure.
.See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: In a note to Benzinga, Chris Kline, COO and Co-Founder of BitcoinIRA, noted a significant interest in Bitcoin.
"Bitcoin appears to be crossing the Rubicon, garnering enthusiasm among those discussing economic policy at the national level, both in the US and across the globe," Kline said.
He also highlighted the elevation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42028576/rfk-jr-stands-firm-on-bitcoin-as-currency-of-freedom-says-howard-lutnik-as-treasury-secretary-will-be-best-for-apex-crypto">Bitcoin proponents</a> to cabinet-level positions in the incoming Donald Trump administration, potentially making "murky regulatory waters" clear.
Widely-followed cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez predicted Bitcoin to peak between June and September 2025 in the ongoing bull cycle.
"Long-term Bitcoin holders are showing signs of growing greed! Historically, this behavior suggests it could take 8–11 months for BTC to hit a market top,&#8221; Martinez stated.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Long-term <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> holders are showing signs of growing greed! Historically, this behavior suggests it could take 8-11 months for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> to hit a market top. If the trend holds, we might see a potential peak between June and September 2025! <a href="https://t.co/UacfaQb5VW">pic.twitter.com/UacfaQb5VW</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1860708957213659648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
 Photo by Igor Faun on Shutterstock 
Read Next:    
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42155055/crypto-analyst-bitcoin-poised-to-skyrocket-to-180k-and-eventually-top-1m">Crypto Analyst: Bitcoin Poised To Skyrocket To $180K and &#8216;Eventually&#8217; Top $1M</a></li>
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$ETH

Bitcoin Recovers From $95K Dip, Ethereum, Dogecoin Fall Ahead Of Thanksgiving Holiday:  BTC Is 'Crossing The Rubicon,' Says Expert

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41817396/suze-orman-warns-its-on-you-to-make-sure-you-have-the-right-coverage-for-2025-and-beyond-dont-re">Suze Orman&#8217;s</a> blog post outlines her advice for staying financially healthy this holiday season. It's worth listening to, especially with inflation still pinching wallets. Her message is simple: don't let holiday spending throw your finances off track, no matter how tempting it is to splurge on loved ones.&nbsp;
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She says, &#8220;True generosity is when a gift is as kind to the giver as it is to the recipient.&#8221; In other words, if gift-giving means adding to your debt, it's time to rethink your approach.
One of her biggest warnings is about credit card debt, which is a massive issue right now. According to WalletHub, the average interest rate on credit cards is about 22%. Carrying a balance at that rate can quickly spiral into financial trouble.&nbsp;
Orman advises skipping gifts altogether if you can't pay off your card balance in full. The same goes for those Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, which might look like a good deal but can lead to trouble if you miss payments. NerdWallet recently reported that about 37% of BNPL users pay late fees, which can snowball into even bigger expenses.
See Also: Invest in $20+ trillion home equity market today across cities like Austin, Miami, and Los Angeles through a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/nada-cityfunds">unique 5-year term fund targeting a 14-20% IRR with minimums as low as $2,500</a>
If you have high-interest debt, Orman suggests paying it down instead of spending on gifts. She encourages creative, low-cost gifting ideas for those on steadier financial ground.&nbsp;
Think of offering your time or talents – babysitting, helping with home projects or making something handmade. Orman and her wife KT only exchange homemade gifts, which she says are the most meaningful.
If pressured to meet social expectations, Orman suggests honest conversations with family and friends. "People who truly care for you will understand and support your decision to stand in financial truth," she says. A thoughtful conversation can relieve pressure and help others shift their priorities.
Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
Orman offers a simple financial checkup to help you gauge your holiday spending readiness. Can you pay off your credit card bills in full each month? Do you have an<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40531988/you-dont-need-emergency-savings-says-grant-cardone-claims-that-three-months-of-savings-in-case-o"> emergency fund</a> that covers at least eight months of expenses? Are you consistently saving for retirement?&nbsp;
If you answered "no" to any of these, Orman advises holding back on discretionary spending. Instead, focus on small, manageable steps to improve your financial foundation – automating savings, tackling debt and sticking to a budget can make a difference.
The timing of Orman's advice couldn't be more relevant. Inflation remains stubborn and experts are still discussing the possibility of a recession.&nbsp;
According to a report by AP News, The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that U.S. holiday sales in 2024 will increase by 2.5% to 3.5%, amounting to $979.5 billion to $989 billion. This growth rate is slower than the 3.9% increase in 2023 as many households tighten budgets.&nbsp;
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<li>Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Suze Orman Says This Holiday Choice Could Make Or Break Your Budget – Here's Why You Must Decide Now

McDonald&#8217;s is pulling out all the stops to rebuild its reputation and lure customers back after an E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions in its Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The fast-food giant has reportedly earmarked $100 million for recovery efforts, including marketing and franchisee support to address the fallout.
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The outbreak infected more than 100 people across 14 states, hospitalized 34 and tragically claimed one life, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</a> The CDC traced the source to a supplier that has since recalled the product, Business Insider reported. Still, McDonald's is feeling the heat.
The company acknowledged the toll in its third-quarter earnings report, which revealed a decline in-store visits and daily sales as cautious customers stayed away. McDonald&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/short-sellers/24/11/42096504/how-is-the-market-feeling-about-mcdonalds">stock has dropped over 7% in the past month. </a>The crisis has had a broad impact on business.
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can still get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for with $1,000 for just $0.25/share</a>
To regain customer trust, McDonald's is spending $35 million on marketing campaigns, including a new TV ad promoting a limited-time offer of 10 Chicken McNuggets for just $1 via the McDonald&#8217;s app. The campaign aims to draw customers back with deals that highlight familiar favorites.
An additional $65 million is being directed to support the franchisees hit hardest by the outbreak. These funds will cover operational losses and other costs as local operators work to recover from the health scare&#8217;s effects on traffic and sales.
Michael Gonda, McDonald&#8217;s Chief Impact Officer for North America and Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, addressed the crisis head-on in a memo seen by CNN. &#8220;The relevance, trust and love for the Golden Arches has been hard-earned over nearly 70 years by our unwavering commitment to do the right thing,&#8221; they wrote. &#8220;The past three weeks have only further exemplified that.&#8221;
See Also: This rooftop wind turbine is taking on a market projected to reach over $900 billion by 2032 —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/halcium"> With already over 40,000 users signing up to purchase, here's a chance to be an early investor today!</a>
The fallout has demonstrated the importance of food safety and customer loyalty in maintaining McDonald's iconic brand. As the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41494741/mcdonalds-well-positioned-to-contain-e-coli-outbreak-analysts-say-impact-minimal-co">works to restore confidence,</a> the memo clarifies that rebuilding &#8220;trust and love&#8221; is a top priority.
While the company's recovery plan is strong, the future remains uncertain. Analysts and investors will watch closely to see whether McDonald's can successfully rebound from the crisis and reignite customer enthusiasm. The Golden Arches are betting on turning a tough situation into an opportunity to show resilience and commitment to its customers.
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McDonald's Spends $100 Million After E. Coli Outbreak As 'Trust And Love' Must Be Rebuilt, Says Chief Impact Officer

A leading analyst has suggested that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could potentially skyrocket to $180,000 and eventually reach a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38240233/crypto-analyst-unveils-reasons-behind-latest-altcoin-crash-forecasts-rebound-amid-turmoil">seven-figure valuation</a>.
What Happened: The prominent analyst, known by the pseudonym Pentoshi, projected a bullish future for Bitcoin. Pentoshi anticipates that Bitcoin could rise by approximately 82% from its present value.
In a post on X, Pentoshi posits that this expected price surge is merely a stepping stone in Bitcoin&#8217;s path to exceeding the $1 million mark. 
He stated, &#8220;Eventually&nbsp;one day over $1 million.&nbsp;If you zoom out and&nbsp;think bigger. Hard to do&nbsp;when we live day to&nbsp;day at times. $180,000 still&nbsp;in 2026 at the latest&nbsp;in my opinion. Eventually higher&nbsp;than we all imagined.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Eventually one day over a milli. If you zoom out and think bigger. Hard to do when we live day to day at times 180k still in 2026 at latest imo Eventually higher than we all imagined <a href="https://t.co/3hvM2g91u2">https://t.co/3hvM2g91u2</a>
&mdash; &#x1f427; Pentoshi (@Pentosh1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pentosh1/status/1859871839289475411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Moreover, Pentoshi envisions the wider crypto market entering a parabolic phase, providing substantial earning potential in the coming months. However, he warns that such advances are not sustainable over the long haul.</figcaption></figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $97,326.69, down by almost 2% in the last 24 hours. 
Why It Matters: Pentoshi&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are gaining mainstream acceptance. 
The potential surge in Bitcoin&#8217;s value underscores the growing interest and investment in the crypto market. However, it&#8217;s important to note that while the crypto market offers significant earning potential, it also comes with risks, as highlighted by Pentoshi&#8217;s caution about the sustainability of these advances. 
The crypto market is known for its volatility, and investors should be prepared for potential fluctuations in value.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39445463/crypto-analyst-predicts-bitcoin-to-blast-off-to-90-000-if-this-happens">Crypto Analyst Predicts Bitcoin To Blast Off To $90,000 If This Happens</a>

Crypto Analyst: Bitcoin Poised To Skyrocket To $180K and 'Eventually' Top $1M

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the world&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency by market cap, could potentially hit a staggering $125,000 by the end of this year.
What Happened: According to predictions <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxbtcmaxy/how-high-will-bitcoin-get-this-year">by</a> betting platform Kalshi, an 85% probability of Bitcoin reaching $100,000 by the close of 2024. The data also suggests a possibility of Bitcoin&#8217;s price surpassing $125,000 by year&#8217;s end.
The platform even sees a 9% chance of Bitcoin breaking the $150,000 mark,&nbsp;with an outside bet of&nbsp;it soaring to $250,000 or more.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bitcoin continues to climb Now an 85% chance it will hit $100K before December <a href="https://t.co/2vHUZQUPCm">pic.twitter.com/2vHUZQUPCm</a>
&mdash; Kalshi (@Kalshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kalshi/status/1859666875631927546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Despite Bitcoin not yet breaching the $100,000 mark, the consensus among experts is that it&#8217;s a question of &#8220;when,&#8221; not &#8220;if.&#8221; 
Bitcoin has already witnessed a nearly 40% surge in November and a 55% rise&nbsp;in Q4 overall, making this&nbsp;year almost as profitable&nbsp;as the last quarter of&nbsp;2023.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
As per the report, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have played a pivotal&nbsp;role, absorbing over 90% of&nbsp;sell-side pressure from Long-Term Holders. 
The U.S. ETFs recorded their most successful week&#8217;s inflows since their inception&nbsp;in the five trading days&nbsp;through Nov. 22. Total assets&nbsp;under management now exceed $100 billion.
Why It Matters: The bullish forecast for Bitcoin comes at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing unprecedented growth. 
The potential for Bitcoin to reach these high price points is indicative of the increasing acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies. 
ETFs, in particular, have been instrumental in driving this growth, providing a more accessible and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin. 
As more investors turn to Bitcoin as a store of value and hedge against inflation, the upward trajectory of its price is likely to continue.
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41869087/kiyosaki-aims-to-own-100-bitcoins-by-2025-i-wish-bitcoin-was-back-to-10-a-coin-but-wishing-has-never-made-poor-people-richer">Kiyosaki Aims To Own 100 Bitcoins By 2025: &#8216;I Wish Bitcoin Was Back To $10 A Coin, But Wishing Has Never Made Poor People Richer&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin's Bull Run: Betting On A $125K Finish To 2024

Retirement savings plans like IRAs and 401(k)s are often promoted as key tools for securing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41918104/are-you-on-track-to-retire-rich-heres-the-nest-egg-you-need-to-be-considered-a-wealthy-retiree">financial stability in retirement</a>. However, new findings from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveal that these accounts play a surprisingly limited role in retirees&#8217; overall income.
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The 2024 EBRI Spending in Retirement Survey, conducted among 3,600 American retirees aged 62 to 75, offers fresh insights into the income landscape for this demographic.&nbsp;
According to the study, IRAs provide income for 20% of retirees, while 401(k)-style workplace retirement plans are an income source for 17%. However, these plans&#8217; contribution to total income is modest. On average, IRAs account for 10% of retirees' income and 401(k)-like plans contribute 15%.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Retirement Income Sources</h2>
IRAs and 401(k)s are just one part of the complex retirement income picture. The relatively small contribution these funds make to total retirement income demonstrates the importance of other income sources in retirement.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41882904/think-youll-get-full-social-security-missing-this-35-year-window-could-cost-you-thousands">Social Security</a> is a critical income source for many retirees, with nearly 92% of those aged 65 and older receiving benefits from this program, according to Federal Reserve data. Other sources of retirement income from this data include (with the percentage of retirees that have that income source):
<ul>
<li>Pensions (56%)</li>
<li>Interest, dividends or rental income (42%)</li>
<li>Wages, salaries or self-employment (32%)</li>
<li>Cash transfers, other than Social Security (9%)</li>
</ul>
Trending: Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Income Versus Expenses</h2>
Retirees face financial challenges when their income doesn't align with their expenses. The Motley Fool reports that the median annual income for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41185972/is-65-too-early-to-retire-new-research-says-it-might-be-45-of-households-are-expected-to-run-out">Americans aged 65 and older</a> is $50,290, while their average annual expenditures are about $57,818.
The average Social Security check is close to $1,900, often only replacing about 40% of the beneficiary's preretirement income. Retirees primarily relying on this income source have a substantial gap to fill. Financial experts recommend having a goal of saving or finding enough retirement income sources to replace 70-80% of your preretirement income, meaning Social Security alone won't be enough.&nbsp;
Trending: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on how on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Limited Savings Mean for Retirees</h2>
The small role that IRAs and 401(k)s play in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42070971/suze-orman-warns-3-million-isnt-enough-for-retirement-even-at-a-mere-3-withdrawal-rate-she-says-you-need-10-million-or-more">retirement income</a> can lead to financial struggles for many older Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 45% of people aged 60 and up have trouble covering basic expenses. Pew Research estimates that by 2040, about 32.6 million retirement-age households will have yearly incomes below $75,000. On average, those households will face a $7,050 gap between their income and needs.
While IRAs and 401(k)s are great tools for growing savings and offering tax advantages, they're not always enough to carry you through retirement on their own.
For those nearing retirement, now is a good time to review your financial plan and consider where your income will come from. A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can help you review and plan for a comfortable retirement.&nbsp;
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New Findings Show IRAs And 401(k)s Contribute Less Than 20% Of Retirees' Income

Amazon.com Inc. stands as a $2 trillion retail giant today, but its survival was in serious jeopardy back in 2001. After the dot-com bubble burst, Amazon's stock plummeted 90%, leading many critics to predict its demise. 
However, founder Jeff Bezos reversed the company's fortunes with help from a surprising source: Costco Wholesale Corp. founder Jim Sinegal.
In 2001, Bezos met with Sinegal over coffee at a Starbucks inside a Barnes &amp; Noble near Amazon's Bellevue, Washington offices, as detailed in the book "The Everything Store" by journalist Brad Stone.
Initially, Bezos sought to discuss sourcing products from Costco, but the conversation shifted to pricing strategies that would ultimately shape Amazon's future, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/17/jeff-bezos-costco-founder-coffee-meeting-helped-revive-amazon.html">reports</a> CNBC.
Sinegal shared Costco's core principle: "value trumps everything." He explained how the retailer kept prices "dirt cheap" by cutting unnecessary costs and building strong supplier relationships. Costco's low prices, he said, reinforced the value of its annual membership, which accounted for much of its profitability.
"The membership fee is a one-time pain, but it's reinforced every time customers walk in and see forty-seven-inch televisions that are two hundred dollars less than anyplace else," Sinegal reportedly told Bezos, and as quoted by Stone. 
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Inspired by this, Bezos quickly called a meeting at Amazon to address the company's "incoherent" pricing strategy. By that summer, Amazon began cutting prices on flagship products like books, music, and videos, offering discounts of up to 30%. Bezos famously declared, "There are two kinds of companies: Those that work to raise prices and those that work to lower them. We'll always be the second."
The strategy paid off. By the end of 2001, Amazon posted its first profitable quarter, a turnaround Bezos credited to lower prices and cost-cutting measures. 
In 2005, Amazon launched its membership program, Prime, echoing Costco's model by offering discounted prices and free shipping to paying members. Bezos later described Prime as offering such good value that "you'd be irresponsible not to be a member."
Today, Amazon's approach to pricing and memberships, rooted in the lessons of that pivotal 2001 meeting, continues to underpin its global success.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Success Stories

Costco Founder's Chat With Bezos Over Coffee Helped Save Amazon

Billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban recently divulged his top strategies for successful negotiation, emphasizing the significance of patience and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196856/heres-how-mark-cubans-drunken-splurge-of-125-000-turned-into-a-profitable-investment">willingness to compromise</a>.
What Happened: Cuban shared that the most effective negotiators he has collaborated with demonstrate a readiness to compromise and exhibit patience, keeping their end goals in sight. 
He stressed that it isn&#8217;t necessary to emerge victorious on every point of a deal, and that conceding on some aspects to finalize the deal is perfectly acceptable.
Speaking <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/26/mark-cuban-top-strategies-best-negotiators-use-to-succeed.html">with</a> CNBC, Cuban said, &#8220;Expert dealmakers know not to rush or nitpick when bargaining. One: They're patient because they know what they're trying to accomplish. Two: They don't try to win every deal point. It's OK to give something in order to get the deal done."
As a judge on ABC&#8217;s &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221;, Cuban often employs a strategy of patient silence, enabling him to gather information before proposing investment offers. 
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He asserts that active listening is a key component in negotiations, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;The more you pay attention&nbsp;and the more aware you&nbsp;are, the better opportunity you&nbsp;have to get what you&nbsp;want. Silence is money.&#8221;
In a particular &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; episode, Cuban demonstrated his strategic patience by initially rejecting an investment offer, only to later join the bidding war and secure a deal. 
However, Cuban also confessed that he occasionally deviates from his usual approach, as evidenced by his immediate acquisition of the NBA&#8217;s Dallas Mavericks in 2000 without any negotiation.
"It was all about fun. That was like a dream, I didn't even negotiate, I was just like, ‘Yes, whatever,&#8221; Cuban said in a podcast before. 
Why It Matters: Mark Cuban&#8217;s negotiation strategies provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. 
His emphasis on patience, compromise, and active listening highlights the importance of these qualities in successful deal-making. 
Cuban&#8217;s approach, as demonstrated in his role on &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; and his acquisition of the Dallas Mavericks, underscores the fact that flexibility and adaptability are also crucial in negotiations.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mark Cuban's For Negotiation Success: 'Silence Is Money'

A well-known crypto analyst who accurately predicted the market collapse of 2022 is now cautioning that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41869087/kiyosaki-aims-to-own-100-bitcoins-by-2025-i-wish-bitcoin-was-back-to-10-a-coin-but-wishing-has-never-made-poor-people-richer">nearing a local top</a>.
What Happened: Pseudonymous analyst Capo believes that certain indicators suggest Bitcoin could face a pullback in the near future. The analyst, recognized for their precise market calls, has shared their concerns about Bitcoin's current trajectory. 
In a recent <a href="https://t.me/CryptoCapoTG/933">post</a> on Telegram, the crypto expert pointed to factors like overextended bullish sentiment and waning momentum as signs that a correction might be imminent.
Bitcoin has recently experienced a significant recovery, climbing past $37,000 after a prolonged bear market. However, the analyst warns that the asset's strong rally could be losing steam, leaving it vulnerable to short-term declines. Capo argues that traders should exercise caution and prepare for potential volatility.
"I'm still out of the market for a few weeks now. At this point, it doesn't matter if Bitcoin reaches $98,000, $99,000, or if it goes above $100,000. The local top could occur at any moment, and this movement could be fully retraced," Capo said in the post. 
Capo outlines several reasons for his belief that a market correction is likely, including the fact that pro-crypto U.S. President-elect Donald Trump won't assume office until January 20th.
Capo shared some of the reasons why he is being cautious about the Bitcoin move. 
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&#8220;Sentiment is extremely bullish here. Retail is piling in massively, aping into memecoins. The memecoin rally feels overextended, and that's unhealthy. A strong correction is overdue, and it will likely affect the entire market. Trump is still not in power. The Democrats are still governing the country, and despite saying the transfer of power would be ‘smooth and in a peaceful way,' they are already trying to provoke a big war. In my view, this is a desperate attempt to apply the martial law or/and leave Trump in a complicated position,&#8221; Capo said in the post. 
Capo added, &#8220;Also, the US government holds 208,109 BTC (currently $20.15 billion). They recently got approval to sell the Silk Road Bitcoin, likely through auctions or gradual sales. Honestly, it wouldn't be surprising if they timed it to tank BTC prices and make the next administration look bad – or just to make sure they don't leave those BTC behind for them to use.&#8221;
&#8220;Many altcoins are showing weakness and testing major levels as resistance. It's mostly a BTC and memecoins run, which is never a good sign. Not ruling out a few final altcoins pumps, but if my thesis is right, they could dump 60-80% over the next few weeks," the analyst concluded. 
Why It Matters: Despite the cautionary outlook, Bitcoin remains a dominant force in the cryptocurrency market, with proponents pointing to its long-term potential as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Institutional adoption and favorable regulatory developments continue to support the broader bullish case.
For investors, this latest warning serves as a reminder of the inherent volatility in the crypto market. While Bitcoin has defied expectations before, understanding market dynamics and being prepared for fluctuations is essential for navigating the space.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Crypto Expert Who Called 2022 Market Crash Warns About Bitcoin

Elon Musk&#8216;s net worth has reached an unprecedented $347.8 billion. This significant increase in wealth is attributed to a surge in the stock of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and a successful funding round for his AI startup, xAI.
What Happened:&nbsp;Musk&#8217;s wealth has seen a substantial increase due&nbsp;to a 3.8% jump in&nbsp;Tesla stock&nbsp;and a new funding round&nbsp;for xAI, which now values the startup at $50 billion. 
This has led to Musk surpassing his previous wealth record of $340.4 billion set in 2021.
The Insider reports that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-net-worth-wealth-tesla-stock-trump-election-ev-2024-11">the </a>net worth of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has increased&nbsp;by an unmatched $117.8 billion&nbsp;this year, placing him over&nbsp;$128 billion ahead of the&nbsp;second richest person, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Tesla&#8217;s stock has seen a surge following&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s victory in the&nbsp;U.S. presidential election, closing on Friday at $352.56.
Mark Malek, the chief investment officer at Siebert, suggested that the stock&#8217;s increase is partly due to Musk&#8217;s public involvement in Trump&#8217;s campaign.
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Musk&#8217;s 13% stake in Tesla has also seen a significant increase in value, with his personal fortune now exceeding Salesforce&#8217;s $327 billion.
Why It Matters: The surge in Musk&#8217;s wealth highlights the growing influence of tech entrepreneurs in the global economy. 
Musk&#8217;s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have been at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in electric vehicles and space travel. 
The successful funding round for xAI, Musk&#8217;s AI startup, also underscores the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in various sectors. 
This record-breaking increase in Musk&#8217;s wealth is a testament to the significant role these tech giants play in shaping the future of our world.
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Image: Shutterstock

Tech

TSLA

Musk's Net Worth Tops One-Third of a Trillion Dollars

New data from Realtor.com shows a partisan divide in housing market sentiment after<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market"> Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential election victory</a>. Republicans have increased optimism, while Democrats are hesitant about home-buying plans.
Morning Consult&#8217;s survey in early November found that roughly 20% of Republicans report being more likely to purchase a home due to the election outcome. In contrast, nearly a quarter of Democrats indicate they&#8217;re now less likely to enter the housing market in the coming year.
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Independent voters remained largely unmoved by the election results, with 74% reporting no change in their home-buying intentions. The contrasting sentiments align with Trump&#8217;s proposed housing policies. Real estate experts anticipate market changes under his leadership, particularly around interest rates and development regulations. His platform, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41968915/will-trumps-second-term-unlock-housing-lower-rates-more-development-on-the-table-experts-say">announced before the election</a>, called for removing construction barriers, including regulations that currently add over $90,000 to new home prices and for opening federal lands for housing development.
&#8220;Many in the real estate business are elated with a Trump victory and if the administration can live up to its campaign promises, rightfully so,&#8221; said Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. &#8220;For months, he has been advocating for lower interest rates, which have become one of the most significant barriers to homeownership in the post-pandemic years.&#8221;
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However, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said the proposals present opportunities and challenges. While supply-side policies might boost housing inventory, proposed immigration restrictions could affect construction labor. Census Bureau data shows that up to one-third of residential construction relies on foreign-born workers. The survey polled 2,201 adults nationwide and highlighted demographic variations in housing market confidence.
Male respondents showed notably higher optimism, with 18% indicating an increased likelihood to buy compared to 10% of women. Generation Z emerged as the most optimistic age group, with 22% reporting enhanced home-buying prospects, followed by millennials at 19%, Generation X at 12% and baby boomers at 6%.
Economic outlook drives the responses. Republicans who expressed increased interest in home buying cited anticipated improvements in economic conditions and confidence in the new administration.&nbsp;
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Democrats who expressed decreased home-buying interest pointed to economic concerns. &#8220;There is a very real possibility that the economy will tank and having my own home will be impossible,&#8221; one participant stated. Others specifically mentioned worries about inflation and tariff policies.
The housing sentiment split mirrors broader economic confidence trends. Morning Consult data cited by Realtor shows Republican consumer sentiment surged nearly 30% postelection, while Democratic sentiment declined 13% during the same period.
Current homeowners across party lines reported minimal impact on their selling intentions, though Democrats showed a slightly higher tendency to delay selling plans.
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Real Estate

24% Of Democrats Say Trump's Election Made Them Less Likely To Buy A Home

A market analyst says Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) could experience a massive rally, predicting gains exceeding 2,000%.
What Happened: The forecast has sparked excitement among the cryptocurrency's community as SHIB continues to gain traction as a leading meme coin.
Crypto analyst Austin Hilton, known for his bold predictions, shared his thoughts in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_vGuPm_7FQ">post</a> on YouTube and suggested that favorable market conditions and strategic developments could push SHIB into a significant uptrend.
Hilton highlighted key catalysts, such as increased adoption and potential ecosystem upgrades, as reasons behind the bullish outlook.
Shiba Inu has already seen remarkable growth since its inception, fueled by its vibrant community and utility within the Shiba ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges and NFT marketplaces. The recent prediction has added momentum to the ongoing discussions about SHIB's long-term potential.
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At the time of writing, SHIB was trading at $0.00002478, down by 4% in the last 24 hours. 
Despite its current price hovering at fractions of a cent, the analyst believes that strategic milestones could propel SHIB's value. These include the expansion of ShibaSwap, further token burns to reduce supply, and adoption by mainstream businesses for payments.
However, experts have cautioned that such exponential growth is not guaranteed and remains highly speculative. The cryptocurrency market's volatility and reliance on broader economic conditions mean that predictions should be approached with caution. Investors are advised to conduct thorough research and assess risks before making decisions.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

$SHIB

Crypto Analyst Sees Shiba Inu Surging More Than 2,000% In Coming Rally

Retired seniors in Nebraska recently posed a financial dilemma to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42024498/it-sounds-like-a-relationship-issue-ramsey-show-hosts-on-fathers-100k-paycut-and-3000-mile-move">The Ramsey Show hosts</a> Rachel Cruze and George Kamel: Should they withdraw funds from their IRA to buy a house outright or use monthly distributions to manage a mortgage?&nbsp;
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The couple, with an annual income of $125,000 from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41210847/do-former-u-s-presidents-really-collect-social-security-the-surprising-truth-about-their-retirem">Social Security and pensions</a>, has $200,000 in cash savings and over $500,000 in IRAs. Their goal is to purchase a $450,000 home and they're seeking advice from The Ramsey Show to help them determine the best option for their financial stability.
Kamel started by breaking down the couple's options.
He noted that the $200,000 cash would be a "serious down payment," which would be helpful; however, using their IRA to cover the balance in full would deplete a large portion of their retirement savings. "So they would have to live off of Social Security and pensions for the rest of their life."
Cruze added that the couple's income of $125,000 is above average, providing a solid foundation if they did decide to purchase the home outright from IRA funds. Ultimately, the hosts suggested <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40754039/68-year-old-is-told-to-take-out-a-bigger-mortgage-for-bills-rather-than-tap-into-401-k-suze-orma">taking out a mortgage</a> might be the best option.
Kamel commented that the couple is already paying rent, implying they could handle a mortgage just fine now. "If times get tough, they have the money," he added. "And they could leave the money invested, let it continue to grow."
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Another perspective the hosts offered is that the couple could consider downsizing and purchasing something smaller than a $450,000 home if they didn't need a house with more than 1-2 bedrooms. That would allow them to pay the home off quicker and potentially immediately without tapping too much into their retirement accounts.&nbsp;
The median home price in Nebraska is $289,200 – substantially less than the $450,000 home being considered by this Nebraska couple.
This couple's situation reflects broader trends in home buying among retirees. According to the National Association of Realtors, baby boomers, who often purchase to downsize or relocate closer to family, represent a significant share of homebuyers. Additionally, retirees often prioritize maintaining liquidity and minimizing debt, aligning with Cruze and Kamel's advice to avoid fully depleting retirement accounts.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, the couple has several options. Whether they choose to buy their $450,000 dream home with a mix of cash and a mortgage or downsize to a smaller property, Cruze and Kamel advise that their focus should remain on maintaining financial security and minimizing future debt.&nbsp;
If you're in a similar situation and considering purchasing a retirement home, try speaking with a trusted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a>. They can help you understand your current financial situation and create a plan for buying a home that aligns with your long-term financial goals.&nbsp;
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Retired Nebraska Couple Asks Ramsey Show Hosts: 'Should We Tap IRA For A House Or Use Monthly Distributions For The Mortgage?'

In a recent poll, more than half of Americans expressed their support for the plans and policies of President-elect Donald Trump as he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market">gears up for his second term</a>.
What Happened: A Pew Research Center <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/11/22/public-narrowly-approves-of-trumps-plans-most-are-skeptical-he-will-unify-the-country/">poll</a> found that 53% of Americans are in favor of Trump&#8217;s agenda for his forthcoming term, which starts in less than two months. The poll showed a 46% disapproval rate for his plans.
The results fell along party lines, with 88% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents backing Trump&#8217;s agenda, while 82% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals expressed disapproval.
Close to 60% of the respondents expressed confidence in Trump&#8217;s capability to make sound economic decisions. A majority of Americans also demonstrated confidence in Trump&#8217;s approach&nbsp;to law enforcement and criminal&nbsp;justice (54%), immigration (53%), and foreign policy (53%).
Post-election sentiments towards Trump have soared to an all-time high, with 43% offering him a &#8220;warm&#8221; or &#8220;very warm&#8221; rating on Pew&#8217;s &#8220;feeling thermometer.&#8221; This marks a notable increase from his 34% warm rating following the 2020 election.
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However, only 31% of respondents characterized Trump&#8217;s post-election unification efforts as &#8220;good&#8221; or &#8220;excellent.&#8221; Moreover, a mere 14% anticipate an improvement in partisan relations during Trump&#8217;s second term.
The poll was conducted from November 12 to 17, surveying 9,609 adults across the nation.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;The poll results provide a snapshot of the nation&#8217;s sentiment towards Trump&#8217;s second-term agenda. The data shows a clear partisan divide, reflecting the ongoing political polarization in the country. 
The high approval ratings for Trump&#8217;s economic decisions and approaches to law enforcement, immigration, and foreign policy indicate the areas where Americans have the most confidence in the President-elect. 
However, the low expectations for improved partisan relations and Trump&#8217;s unification efforts highlight the challenges that lie ahead in his second term.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Politics

Majority of Americans Approve of Trump's Second-Term Agenda

Billionaire Elon Musk, co-director of President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been using his social media platform to criticize specific government departments and individuals.
What Happened: Musk, who has a following of 205 million on his platform, recently targeted Ashley Thomas, a director of climate diversification at the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. His post, which labeled her role as a &#8220;fake job,&#8221; led to a wave of online ridicule against Thomas.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">So many fake jobs <a href="https://t.co/aVH8QtMcLE">https://t.co/aVH8QtMcLE</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1858916546338590740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Earlier this month, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech-company founder, were appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. 
The duo has since been vocal about their plans for &#8220;mass head-count reductions&#8221; across the federal bureaucracy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/24/11/42027102/trump-and-musk-want-to-sidestep-senate-floor-votes-on-key-confirmations">Trump And Musk Want To Sidestep Senate Floor Votes On Key Confirmations</a>
According to the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/musk-unleashes-online-army-on-federal-workers-a-tough-way-to-find-out-shes-losing-her-job-f57a2e94">by </a>The Wall Street Journal, Musk&#8217;s recent social media activities mark a return to his controversial practice of calling out individuals, a tactic he had previously employed on Twitter. 
His targets this week included Alexis Pelosi, a senior climate adviser at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and two other federal officials with climate-related roles.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, criticized Musk&#8217;s tactics, stating that they were intended to instill fear among federal employees, reports the outlet. 
Kelley argued that Musk should instead focus on federal contractors, who he claims cost the government far more than the civilian workforce.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s recent actions on social media have raised concerns about the potential impact on the morale and productivity of federal employees. 
His targeting of specific individuals and departments could lead to a climate of fear and uncertainty, which could in turn affect the functioning of the federal bureaucracy. 
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Musk&#8217;s tactics could potentially overshadow the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, and distract from its mission to streamline government operations and reduce costs.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Elon Musk's Social Media Onslaught Targets Federal Employees

In a recent blog post, Mary Trump warned about the alleged influence of Russian President Vladimir Putin on her uncle, President-elect Donald Trump.
What Happened: Mary Trump expressed her apprehensions about&nbsp;her uncle&#8217;s admiration for Putin, suggesting it could negatively impact U.S. support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.
She called Trump &#8220;Putin&#8217;s puppet&#8221; and cautioned that his actions could leave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a vulnerable position.
In her <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/a-thousand-days?utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web">post</a>, Mary Trump also criticized her uncle&#8217;s admiration for Elon Musk, alleging that Musk has been in regular contact with Putin since 2022.
&#8220;Of all the unthinkable scenarios we&#8217;ve been forced to consider since Donald won the election on November 5th is the possibility that all of this will have been for nought,&#8221; Mary Trump wrote. &#8220;After all, the fate of Ukraine and Zelensky may rest with Donald Trump, Putin&#8217;s puppet, a man who is enamored of and beholden to the very autocrat who wants to destroy our ally.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41869240/mary-trump-warns-of-tyranny-and-fascism-following-uncles-victory">Mary Trump Warns of &#8216;Tyranny&#8217; and &#8216;Fascism&#8217; Following Uncle&#8217;s Victory</a>
Meanwhile, Zelensky warned this week that Ukraine could lose the war if the U.S. cuts military aid. His comments followed the Biden administration&#8217;s announcement of a new $275 million military aid package for Ukraine.
Zelensky acknowledged the potential influence&nbsp;Donald Trump could have on&nbsp;ending the war, stating, &#8220;Yes,&nbsp;he can,&#8221; but said it&nbsp;would not be simple. He&nbsp;emphasized&nbsp;the importance of maintaining unity&nbsp;between Ukraine, Europe, and the&nbsp;United States, warning that a&nbsp;loss of this unity could&nbsp;have dangerous consequences.
Why It Matters: The allegations by Mary Trump underscore the complex and potentially precarious relationship between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. 
The influence of Putin on Donald Trump, if true, could significantly alter U.S. foreign policy and its stance towards the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 
Furthermore, the alleged contact between Elon Musk and Putin raises questions about the role of private sector leaders in international politics. This situation warrants close observation as it unfolds, given its potential to reshape geopolitical dynamics.
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mary Trump Says Her Uncle Donald Is 'Putin's Puppet'

In 2014, during an interview with Charlie Rose at the TED Conference, Google cofounder Larry Page made headlines with an unusual revelation. Page didn't point to traditional charitable foundations or heirs when asked about his thoughts on legacy and philanthropy. Instead, he floated the idea of leaving his wealth to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38942636/elon-musk-reportedly-bought-a-secret-mansion-shortly-after-selling-all-his-possessions-and-publicly">Elon Musk</a>, the tech visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX.
Page's reasoning? Musk's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40778284/elon-musk-says-almost-anyone-can-afford-a-trip-to-mars-at-100-000-to-500-000-even-if-it-means-se">bold mission to colonize Mars</a> and "back up humanity." In the interview, Rose referenced past comments Page had made about this idea, asking for clarification.&nbsp;
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According to the transcript on the Charlie Rose site, Rose said: "You once said – actually, I think I've got this about right – that you might consider, rather than giving your money to a cause, simply giving it to Elon Musk because you had confidence he would change the future."
Larry Page replied: "He actually wanted to go to Mars – he wants to go to Mars to back up humanity." He elaborated, "It's a company and it's philanthropical. So I think, you know, we aim to do kind of similar things."
Page then shifted focus to Google's culture of innovation, adding, "We have a lot of employees at Google who've become pretty wealthy … A lot of people in there are pretty wealthy. You're working because you want to change the world and you want to make it better. So why isn't the company they work for worthy not just of your time, but your money as well?"
For Page, Musk's ambitious goals aligned with his belief that companies, when run effectively, could drive revolutionary change. He elaborated, saying, "Lots of companies don't succeed over time. They usually miss the future … I try to focus on that: What is the future really going to be? And how do we create it?"
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Page and Musk once shared a close friendship. Musk frequently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37923084/elon-musk-used-to-email-ex-google-ceo-larry-page-when-he-was-kind-of-homeless-and-ask-can-i-come">stayed at Page's house</a> during visits to Silicon Valley and their shared passion for pushing technological boundaries made them natural allies. Their camaraderie landed them on Fortune's 2016 list of "Business Leaders You Didn't Know Were BFFs."&nbsp;
Musk even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/02/36953481/elon-musk-almost-sold-tesla-to-google-for-11-billion-but-he-called-the-deal-off-when-he-no-longer-ne">attempted to sell Tesla to Google</a> for $11 billion, according to Ashlee Vance&#8217;s biography, &#8220;Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future.&#8221; The two friends actually both agreed to the deal via handshake, but called it off once Tesla "no longer needed a savior."
However, their relationship reportedly soured around 2013. Musk's growing concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence clashed with Page's more optimistic outlook. At Musk's birthday party that year, the two had a heated debate about AI. Page allegedly called Musk a "speciesist" for prioritizing human interests over other forms of intelligence.
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The tension grew after Musk cofounded OpenAI, a nonprofit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/04/38073344/mark-cuban-predicts-worlds-first-trillionaire-wont-be-musk-or-bezos-itll-be-someone-who-masters-ai-a">ensuring AI safety</a>, which was seen as a direct challenge to Google, which had acquired DeepMind, a leading AI company. Musk even tried to dissuade DeepMind's CEO from selling to Google, further straining their relationship.
But despite their falling out, Musk has recently desired to mend fences. In a 2023 podcast with Lex Fridman, Musk said, "I would like to be friends again with Larry. I haven't seen him in ages. We were friends for a very long time." However, he acknowledged that Page might not feel the same, noting, "He doesn't want to talk to me anymore."
Larry Page's 2014 remarks about leaving his fortune to Elon Musk reflect his belief that revolutionary change outweighs incremental progress. While the future of their friendship remains uncertain, both Page and Musk continue to be key players in shaping the future of technology – and maybe even humanity.
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Larry Page, Google Co-Founder, Said He'd Leave His Fortune To Elon Musk Over Charity Because Of His Plans 'To Go To Mars To Back Up Humanity'

Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea &#8220;Shaye&#8221; Moss have filed a motion in federal court demanding that Rudy Giuliani be held in civil contempt for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666864/rudy-giulianis-legal-troubles-deepen-former-georgia-election-workers-seek-to-seize-assets" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuing to spread false claims about them</a>.
This request, submitted Wednesday, stems from Giuliani&#8217;s ongoing defamation despite a prior injunction forbidding him from making such statements, Forbes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/20/georgia-election-workers-want-giuliani-sanctioned-for-defaming-them-again/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
A federal judge has ordered Giuliani to respond by December 2, with a hearing set for December 12.
On Thursday, Rudy Giuliani challenged the judge&#8217;s ruling from last month, which required him to hand over most of his assets to the two Georgia election workers, per a news <a href="https://thehill.com/video/giuliani-appeals-decision-ordering-him-to-turn-over-assets-to-election-workers/10242068/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by The Hill.
In May, Giuliani agreed to stop making false allegations related to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40165381/rudy-giulianis-bankruptcy-case-was-tossed-out-he-owes-152-million-and-lawyer-says-hell-join-rank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020 election and its results</a>.
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Now, the election workers are seeking sanctions against Giuliani after he failed to honor the terms of this agreement, continuing to falsely accuse Freeman and Moss of wrongdoing, including baselessly claiming that they had &#8220;quadruple counted&#8221; ballots—a claim for which there is no evidence,
Giuliani allegedly doubled down on his false claims during his online show last week, defiantly shrugging off the threat of another lawsuit. He declared, &#8220;What am I going to do but tell the truth?&#8221; Forbes writes, quoting Giuliani.
These statements directly violate the court order he had previously agreed to.
As a result of Giuliani&#8217;s defamation, he was ordered to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million.
However, after declaring bankruptcy, he has been forced to begin turning over his assets to satisfy the judgment, including his car and New York City apartment.
Freeman and Moss are now asking the court to enforce penalties on Giuliani, potentially including further damages.
Giuliani&#8217;s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, has called the motion an attack on Giuliani&#8217;s First Amendment rights, insisting that he should be able to defend himself, Forbes adds.
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Media

General

Georgia Election Workers Demand Giuliani Be Held In Civil Contempt

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a>, the Oracle of Omaha, is at it again. He's proved he knows how to spot a great opportunity when he sees one. In his latest move, Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway invested heavily in two surprising yet strategic companies. What are they? None other than Domino&#8217;s Pizza and Pool Corp.
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According to a <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067983/000095012324011775/xslForm13F_X02/primary_doc.xml">recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>, reported by TheStreet, Berkshire snapped up 1.28 million shares of Domino&#8217;s, which were valued at $550 million as of the end of the third quarter. The holding company also bought over 400,000 shares of Pool Corp., the largest distributor of swimming pool equipment and supplies in the U.S.
Both companies&#8217; shares jumped on the news as investors followed Buffett&#8217;s lead. Domino&#8217;s stock has risen 8.5% year-to-date and 20% over the past year. Pool Corp., though down 9% year-to-date, has seen a modest 3.5% annual increase.
Buffett has long <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42011977/99-billion-bet-warren-buffett-invests-heavily-in-2-stocks-expected-to-jump-19-and-20-wall-street-analysts-predict">extolled the value of brands</a> as economic moats. That means they defend a company's market position from competitors. "A strong brand is potent stuff," Buffett famously said. Domino's and Pool Corp. both exemplify this.
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Domino&#8217;s has built an empire around its efficient delivery model and recognizable branding. It's the largest pizza chain in the U.S. for a reason. Despite missing revenue expectations in its third-quarter earnings, the company beat Wall Street&#8217;s forecasts for profitability and continues to show resilience. Analysts, such as those at Loop Capital, recently upgraded the stock. They see signs of accelerating same-store sales.
Pool Corp., on the other hand, benefits from its dominant market share in a niche yet essential industry. Even as discretionary spending on pool construction dips, the company continues seeing high demand for maintenance products, which drives its consistent revenues. Oppenheimer recently raised its price target for Pool Corp. after its quarterly earnings beat estimates.
"He doesn't invest – take a swing of the bat – unless the opportunity appears unbelievably good," Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates said of Buffett. These investments align perfectly with that approach. Domino&#8217;s and Pool Corp. demonstrate lasting appeal and consistent demand, which are key elements in Berkshire&#8217;s portfolio strategy.
The recent moves are classic Buffett, focusing on businesses with solid fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Whether it's pizza delivery or pool maintenance, Buffett has shown that even in the quirkiest corners of the market, there are &#8220;unbelievably good&#8221; opportunities.
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