Bloomberg News Now: Protests Against Trump Policies, Yemen Raid, US-China Talks, and Job Cuts

Nationwide Protests Against Trump Policies

• ✊ Demonstrators across the U.S. participated in "No Kings" protests in an effort to express opposition to President Trump's agenda.
• ⚠️ Organizers warned that the protests highlight a slide toward American authoritarianism, occurring against the backdrop of a government shutdown.
• 🗣️ The Republican Party has labeled these protests as "Hate America rallies."

Houthi Rebel Raid on UN Facility

• 🚨 A U.N. official reported that Iranian-backed Houthi rebels raided a U.N. facility in Sanaa, Yemen.
• ✅ Fortunately, all 15 U.N. international staff members present were reported to be safe and accounted for.

Government Shutdown Blame Game

• 📊 A new poll indicates that most Americans view the government shutdown as a significant problem, with no clear winner.
• 🏛️ Approximately six in ten Americans attribute responsibility for the shutdown to President Trump and Republicans in Congress, while 54% assign blame to Democrats.
• 🏥 A central issue in the shutdown is the stalemate over federal tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, with about 40% supporting their extension.

Paramount Skydance Job Cuts and US-China Trade Talks

• ✂️ Paramount Skydance employees are facing significant job cuts under new management, with an expected elimination of around 2,000 U.S. jobs as part of a cost-slashing initiative.
• 🤝 U.S.-China trade talks are scheduled to resume, focusing on de-escalating measures related to tariffs and rare earth restrictions.
• 📈 Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and China's vice premier are expected to meet, with President Trump expressing optimism for an agreement.

Criminal Exploitation of Gift Cards

• 💰 Chinese organized crime groups are reportedly exploiting U.S. gift cards to launder millions of dollars and move stolen cash into China.
• 🕵️ Agents from Homeland Security Investigations state that a network uses U.S. retailers, mobile wallets, and cryptocurrency to facilitate this wealth export.
• 📦 Operatives in the U.S. drain compromised gift cards by purchasing high-value goods, which are then shipped to China, resold, and the proceeds converted into digital currency.