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Trump Administration Extends $100M Loan to U.S.-Owned Cell Network in Africa to Counter Chinese Influence

Trump Administration Extends $100M Loan to U.S.-Owned Cell Network in Africa to Counter Chinese Influence

The Trump administration has provided a $99.6 million loan to Africell, a U.S.-owned cellphone network operator in Africa. This loan, issued by the U.S. government's Export-Import Bank, aims to bolster American technological presence on the continent. Africell, the sole U.S.-owned cell network operator in Africa, stated that the funding will support investments in American and European technology for its operations in Angola, and it also operates in Congo, Sierra Leone, and Gambia. This move comes as the Trump administration continues to address national security concerns regarding Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications giant that supplies over half of Africa's 4G and 5G network infrastructure. The U.S. has actively lobbied allies against using Huawei's products and has pursued legal actions, including a criminal racketeering trial, accusing the company of theft of technology and trade secrets.

Trump administration to lend $100 million to Africell, countering Huawei in Africa

Trump administration to lend $100 million to Africell, countering Huawei in Africa

By Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - The Trump administration will lend nearly $100 million to Africell, Africa's only American-owned telecoms firm, as it seeks to counter the expansion of China's Huawei in Africa, according to a person familiar with the matter and a draft press

Trump administration to lend $100 million to telecoms firm Africell, countering Huawei in Africa

Trump administration to lend $100 million to telecoms firm Africell, countering Huawei in Africa

By Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - The Trump administration will lend nearly $100 million to Africell, Africa's only American-owned telecoms firm, as the U.S. seeks to thwart the expansion of China's Huawei in Africa, according to a press release and a person familiar with the matter

Senator Steve Daines Warns U.S. Underestimates China's Tech Prowess Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

Senator Steve Daines Warns U.S. Underestimates China's Tech Prowess Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines, a close ally of President Trump, has issued a warning that the United States may be underestimating the true capabilities of China's technology sector. This statement follows his recent 'fact-finding mission' to China, which included visits to cities like Hangzhou and Guangzhou. Senator Daines' trip was partly aimed at preparing for an upcoming summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for later this month. During his visit, Daines toured universities and technology companies, including Enhe Technology and Lingban Technology, and observed intelligent aerial transportation enterprises like EHang Intelligent. This marks Senator Daines' second visit to China this year, making him one of the few U.S. congressional members to have traveled to the country recently. His observations suggest a need for the U.S. to re-evaluate its understanding of China's technological advancements, particularly as competition intensifies in high-tech fields suc...

Senate Leadership Urged to Pass Connected Vehicle Security Act to Counter Chinese Automakers

Senate Leadership Urged to Pass Connected Vehicle Security Act to Counter Chinese Automakers

U.S. automotive industry trade groups and labor unions are pressuring Senate leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), to pass the Connected Vehicle Security Act. This proposed legislation aims to codify a Biden administration rule that would effectively ban Chinese automakers from selling or manufacturing passenger cars with connected technology in the United States without government approval. The bill, introduced by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), seeks to address concerns about Chinese automotive overcapacity, which is viewed as a harmful product of China's industrial policy, and to mitigate data security risks associated with connected vehicle technology. Codifying the Commerce Department rule would prevent future administrations from easily altering it and would extend restrictions to components like battery electronics and AI-enabled driving software, while also increasing penalties for noncompliance.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Advocates for Trump's Tariff Policies and Reshapes Global Trade

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Advocates for Trump's Tariff Policies and Reshapes Global Trade

Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, has been a vocal proponent of President Trump's tariff agenda, actively participating in trade negotiations with key partners like Canada and Japan. Lutnick, who co-chaired the Trump-Vance transition, has transformed the Commerce Department from a traditionally lower-profile cabinet post into a central command for the administration's efforts to redefine global trade. His portfolio extends beyond tariffs to include foreign investment, semiconductor policy, export controls, and artificial intelligence. This strategic shift aims to leverage tariffs not only for protecting American industries but also to attract manufacturing and investment into the United States. Foreign governments and corporations frequently engage with Lutnick to understand or influence the administration's trade policies.

House tees up vote on Russia sanctions bill, but prospects for passage are uncertain

House tees up vote on Russia sanctions bill, but prospects for passage are uncertain

The House is expected to take up a punishing Russian sanctions package next week, though prospects of passage are uncertain despite the overwhelming support the bill received in the Senate

U.S. Government and Allies Invest Billions to Secure Ex-China Rare Earth Supply Chains

U.S. Government and Allies Invest Billions to Secure Ex-China Rare Earth Supply Chains

U.S. Government and Allies Invest Billions to Secure Ex-China Rare Earth Supply Chains

Senator Gary Peters Probes ODNI Workforce Cuts Amid 9/11 Anniversary Concerns

Senator Gary Peters Probes ODNI Workforce Cuts Amid 9/11 Anniversary Concerns

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has initiated an inquiry into the significant workforce reductions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). This action comes as the nation observes the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an event that led to the creation of the DNI role to enhance intelligence coordination. Senator Peters has sent a letter to the new DNI, Jay Clayton, demanding an accounting of personnel decisions made by former acting DNI Bill Pulte, who oversaw substantial layoffs. Peters has also directed Clayton to preserve all existing and future records related to counterterrorism activities, personnel decisions, resource allocation, and prioritization, along with any data supporting the administration's counterterrorism strategies. The inquiry highlights concerns that these cuts, implemented by the Trump administration, may be detrimental to national security by eroding expertise ...

International Crisis Group Links Myanmar's Critical Minerals to Civil War Financing and Global Supply Chains

International Crisis Group Links Myanmar's Critical Minerals to Civil War Financing and Global Supply Chains

International Crisis Group Links Myanmar's Critical Minerals to Civil War Financing and Global Supply Chains

Trump list of US-designated 'foreign terrorist organizations' in Latin America grows to 21

Trump list of US-designated 'foreign terrorist organizations' in Latin America grows to 21

The Trump administration has designated 21 Latin American and Caribbean criminal groups as “foreign terrorist organizations,” with the latest an Ecuadorian group added to the list on Wednesday

The Latest: Republicans prepare for Day 1 of Trump-heavy midterm convention in Dallas

The Latest: Republicans prepare for Day 1 of Trump-heavy midterm convention in Dallas

Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a two-day midterm convention with President Donald Trump at the center