U.S.-China trade talks hit roadblock, personal involvement of Trump and Xi needed
#u.s.-china trade talks #roadblock #personal involvement #trump #xi #tensions #resolved
About the People Mentioned
Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent is an American government official and former hedge fund manager, currently serving as the 79th United States Secretary of the Treasury since January 28, 2025. Born on August 21, 1962, in South Carolina, Bessent graduated from Yale College with a degree in political science in 1984. Initially interested in journalism, he shifted to finance after missing out on a role at the Yale Daily News. He began his career with an internship under Jim Rogers, George Soros's first partner. Bessent's career in finance is marked by significant achievements. He was a key figure at Soros Fund Management, where he managed the London office and played a crucial role in profiting from major currency bets, notably earning $1 billion during the British Pound sterling crisis on Black Wednesday and $1.2 billion betting against the Japanese yen in 2013. After leaving Soros in 2015, he founded Key Square Capital Management, a global macro investment firm. Bessent also taught economic history as an adjunct professor at Yale University. In politics, Bessent has been involved as an economic advisor and major donor to the Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign. His nomination as Treasury Secretary was announced by President-elect Trump on November 22, 2024, and he was confirmed by the Senate on January 27, 2025. As Secretary, Bessent focuses on maintaining economic strength, promoting growth, and enhancing national security through financial management. He is noted for his views on globalization and tariffs, advocating for updates to the international trading system to address inequality and economic disparities. Bessent's appointment marks him as the second openly gay man to serve in a U.S. Cabinet and the highest-ranking openly LGBT person in the federal government. His tenure as Treasury Secretary is expected to shape U.S. economic policies, particularly under the Trump administration's agenda.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Fox News
## Overview Fox News, formally known as the Fox News Channel (FNC), is a leading American cable and satellite news network, renowned for its conservative-leaning commentary and round-the-clock news coverage. Launched in 1996 under the vision of Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes, it quickly established itself as a major force in U.S. media, challenging established networks with a distinctive blend of news reporting and opinion programming[2]. Today, Fox News is a flagship asset of Fox Corporation, a multinational mass media company controlled by the Murdoch family[1][6]. ## What Fox News Does Fox News delivers 24-hour news coverage, combining live reporting with opinion-driven shows that emphasize conservative perspectives[2][3]. Its programming spans breaking news, political analysis, business updates, and lifestyle content, reaching audiences via television, digital platforms, audio, and streaming services such as Fox Nation[3][7]. Fox News Media also operates Fox Business Network, Fox News Digital, Fox News Audio, and Fox Weather, collectively reaching nearly 200 million people monthly[3][7]. ## History and Growth Fox News launched on October 7, 1996, with innovative visual storytelling and a focus on personality-driven shows, setting it apart from competitors[2]. Despite initial challenges gaining carriage in major markets, it rapidly grew its audience by catering to viewers seeking an alternative to mainstream, left-leaning news outlets[2]. Over the years, it has expanded its digital footprint, launching streaming platforms and dominating social media metrics—most recently logging 1.1 billion YouTube views in a single quarter, more than any other U.S. news brand[7]. ## Key Achievements Fox News has been the most-watched cable news channel for over 23 consecutive years, routinely outperforming not only CNN and MSNBC but also broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS in primetime ratings[6][8]. Its top programs—*Fox & Friends*, *The Five