Trump’s cabinet picks come under US Senate spotlight

Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees go under the microscope in a frenzied week on Capitol Hill starting Tuesday, as US senators hold confirmation hearings that could make or break their political careers.Thirteen nominees will be grilled before 11 committees, and while many will sail through, others face controversies ranging from alleged sexual assault and heavy drinking to their relationships with dictators and vaccine skepticism.The Trump picks have been in stringent preparations, taking part in mock hearings and coaching on how to negotiate tough questions while still maintaining unswerving loyalty to the president-elect.”This time, people view the nominees as an extension of Donald Trump and his agenda,” Sean Spicer, Trump’s first White House spokesman, told CNN.”They’re not there to defend their own views. They’re there to defend Trump’s policies.” Senate Republicans are keen for Trump’s national security nominees to be confirmed quickly and Democrats may agree to fast-track some. But they are determined to throw up roadblocks in front of candidates they see as unfit.One of the first on the docket will be one of the most controversial — Pete Hegseth, the former Army National Guard officer and ex-Fox News host nominated for secretary of defense.Hegseth, whose hearing is on Tuesday morning, has faced allegations of sexual assault, financial misconduct and excessive drinking, and lingering questions over his views on women in the military. He also has no comparable management experience.Senator Elizabeth Warren, a member of the Armed Services Committee, described Hegseth as “a guy with a track record of being so drunk at work events that he needed to be carried out on multiple occasions.””Can we really count on calling Hegseth at 2AM to make life and death national security decisions? Nope,” she said on X.Hegseth can only afford three Republican rejections and still be confirmed, should every Democrat and independent vote against him.- Fiery hearings -But he has maintained Trump’s support while the excoriating headlines have multiplied and Senate Republicans appear open to hearing him out.Former Democratic congresswoman turned Trumpist Tulsi Gabbard is another candidate whose lack of qualifications and experience have raised alarm bells, as well as her attitudes toward US adversaries.Gabbard met then Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2017 and declared him “not the enemy.” She has also voiced sympathy for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Opposition appears to be softening however after she flipped her stance to support a controversial government intelligence-gathering program that she tried to repeal in 2020. Some pressure on the nominees is expected from both sides of the aisle, especially for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for secretary of health and human services and an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist.But former Florida senator and foreign policy hawk Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for secretary of state, is a sure bet with bipartisan support, and will likely be confirmed before Trump takes office on January 20.Rubio gets his hearing Wednesday, along with homeland security secretary nominee Kristi Noem, attorney general nominee Pam Bondi and CIA pick John Ratcliffe, who has been confirmed by the Senate before, as director of national intelligence.Bondi was Trump’s second choice after his initial pick, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration after facing sexual misconduct and drug-taking allegations.Some of the most potentially fiery hearings are yet to be scheduled, including for Kennedy and Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee to run the FBI.Patel — a conspiracy theorist who vowed in a podcast that Trump would “come after” journalists, lawyers and judges he believes haven’t treated him fairly — is not expected to get his confirmation hearing until February.Early Tuesday, Trump’s team lost a bid to prevent the release of a report by then-special counsel Jack Smith detailing the incoming president’s alleged criminal effort to overturn the 2020 election result that saw Joe Biden win.The report said Trump would have been convicted at trial — had Smith not dropped the case after the Republican was elected president in November last year.

Asian markets mixed as traders eye US inflation data, earnings

Asian markets diverged Tuesday as bargain buying after recent losses played against ongoing worries about the outlook for the global economy and the impact of a second Donald Trump presidency.A report saying the incoming US leader’s economics team was considering slowly hiking tariffs on imports provided support to traders and put a cap on the dollar’s latest surge, while news of fresh curbs on AI chips to China appeared to have little immediate impact.However, traders remain concerned that his pledges to cut taxes, regulations and immigration continue to dampen sentiment with warnings that the measures will revive inflation.Traders have slashed their expectations on how many times the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates through 2025 to one, from four predicted last year, while there is even talk that the next move could be a hike owing to still-sticky inflation and Trump concerns.Data on Friday showing the world’s top economy created far more jobs than forecast in December dealt yet another blow to the chances of another reduction at the Fed’s next meeting and sent equity markets deep into the red.Wall Street staged a small recovery Monday, with the Dow and S&P ending in positive territory, but tech titans including big-hitter Nvidia dragged the Nasdaq down again.Asian markets fluctuated through the day.Hong Kong and Shanghai advanced as China’s securities regulator said it was looking at ways to provide more stability to markets after another run of poor performances sparked by worries over the world’s number two economy and Trump’s threatened tariffs.Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei and Mumbai also rose, though there were losses in Singapore, Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta, with Tokyo the biggest loser as traders returned from a long weekend to play catch-up with Monday’s sell-off.Paris and Frankfurt rose at the open, while London was flat.The dollar eased back against its peers after Bloomberg reported that members of the US president-elect’s team were looking at a gradual increase in tariffs in a bid to boost their negotiating hand and tamper inflationary pressures.Traders were spooked when he said soon after his re-election that he would impose huge levies on China, Canada and Mexico as soon as he took office.But while the dollar eased, the pound remained stuck at levels not seen since the end of 2023. The euro was near its weakest since late 2022, with fears it could return to parity with the dollar.The yen edged up against the greenback as the yield of Japan’s 40-year government bond hit its highest since being launched in 2007, with debate returning to whether the country’s central bank will hike interest rates at next week’s policy meeting.Eyes are now on the release of US inflation data this week and the beginning of the release of corporate reports.”This earnings season will set the tone for financial stocks in 2025, but the stakes are high,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets.”Even with solid fourth-quarter results, the macro backdrop — characterised by lingering inflation concerns, steeper yields, and recalibrated Fed expectations — may weigh on sentiment.”With valuations already elevated after a strong 2024, further stock gains will require more than just decent earnings. Robust outlooks, ongoing loan demand, and resilient consumer credit will be critical to sustaining investor confidence.”She added that “uncertainty around Fed policy and a potential shift in fiscal priorities under Trump’s new administration will keep markets on edge”.- Key figures around 0815 GMT -Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.8 percent at 38,474.30 (close)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 1.8 percent at 19,219.78 (close)Shanghai – Composite: UP 2.5 percent at 3,240.94 (close)London – FTSE 100: FLAT at 8,220.93Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0255 from $1.0224 on MondayPound/dollar: UP at $1.2209 from $1.2180Dollar/yen: DOWN at 157.53 yen from 157.65 yenEuro/pound: UP at 83.99 pence from 83.90 penceWest Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.6 percent at $78.38 per barrelBrent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.6 percent at $80.52 per barrelNew York – Dow: UP 0.9 percent at 42,297.12 (close)

Retraites/Budget: un accord possible “dans quelques heures”, selon Olivier Faure

Le parti socialiste a fait une proposition de compromis dans la nuit au Premier ministre François Bayrou et estime “un accord possible” dans “quelques heures” sur la question du budget et notamment la réforme des retraites, a expliqué mardi son premier secrétaire Olivier Faure. “Je pense que nous pouvons conclure”, a estimé le député socialiste sur RMC-BFMTV, à propos de cette “proposition” qu’il se refuse à “dévoiler”, faite “au téléphone” après une réunion non conclusive dans la soirée de lundi à Matignon. François Bayrou doit prononcer à 15H00 devant l’Assemblée nationale sa déclaration de politique générale. Un accord entre le gouvernement et le PS signifierait que ce dernier ne voterait pas une motion de censure contre le gouvernement.”Si le Premier ministre l’accepte définitivement, c’est à lui de l’annoncer”, a déclaré Olivier Faure à propos de cette ultime phase de négociation, se disant “serein” . “Nous sommes en train d’obtenir un certain nombre de concessions que je trouve remarquables parce qu’elles permettent de rompre avec ce que nous avons censuré nous-mêmes, les uns et les autres, c’est-à-dire le budget Barnier”, a assuré Olivier Faure. Face aux critiques des Insoumis, il a rappelé que le PS était “dans l’opposition, nous y restons, mais nous sommes une opposition utile, utile au pays”. “Il y a une gauche qui braille et une gauche qui travaille”, a-t-il balayé. A propos de la réforme des retraites, il a souhaité l’ouverture d’une discussion pour revoir l’âge de départ fixé à 64 ans par la loi de 2023. “A moyen terme, c’est 15 milliards (d’euros) à trouver par an” donc “on discute, on montre qu’existent d’autres modes de financement et là, de mon point de vue, on passe par la loi pour changer”, a-t-il expliqué. Un accord là-dessus vaudrait non-censure du gouvernement Bayrou, a précisé Olivier Faure sauf “si, à un moment, il revenait dans l’idée de ce gouvernement de lier son avenir à celui de l’extrême droite”. “Alors, la sanction serait immédiate”, a-t-il prévenu.

Coupe de France: affiche Marseille-Lille, le PSG face à un Petit Poucet

Marseille-Lille, 16 Coupes de France à eux deux, constitue l’affiche dès mardi (21h10) des 16e de finale, clôturés par le déplacement du Paris Saint-Germain en Auvergne mercredi (21h00) contre Espaly, un des cinq clubs de National 3 encore en course.Deux autres duels 100% Ligue 1 opposent Reims à Monaco, mardi (20h45), et Brest à Nantes, mercredi (18h30).Mais le match le plus prometteur reste OM-Losc, entre deux ténors de L1. Les Marseillais, dix fois vainqueurs du trophée Charles-Simon et longtemps recordmen avant de se faire doubler par le PSG (15 victoires), n’ont plus gagné la Coupe de France depuis 1989 avec le triplé de Jean-Pierre Papin en finale contre Monaco (4-3).L’OM n’a plus remporté le moindre titre depuis la Coupe de la Ligue en 2012 et rêve de mettre fin à cette longue disette. Absente des Coupes d’Europe cette saison, deuxième à mi-championnat en L1 loin derrière Paris (7 points), l’équipe de Roberto De Zerbi mise beaucoup sur la Coupe.Les “Dogues”, qui joueront une semaine plus tard à Liverpool en Ligue des champions, ne l’ont plus gagnée depuis le doublé Coupe-championnat de 2011, avec Eden Hazard, sous la conduite de Rudi Garcia.Dans les autres duels entre clubs de l’élite, Monaco semble favori face à Reims, en perte de vitesse avec six matches sans victoire en championnat. Mais les Champenois pourront s’inspirer de leur équipe féminine qui a réussi l’exploit de battre l’ogre lyonnais en 16e de finale de Coupe de France dimanche (0-0, 10 t.a.b. à 9).En L1, Reims et Monaco se sont séparés sur un 0-0 le 14 décembre à Auguste-Delaune.Nantes, vainqueur en 2022 et finaliste malheureux contre Toulouse (5-1) l’année suivante, espère retrouver son appétit pour la Coupe à Brest.Bastia (L2) accueillera Nice pour une autre affiche sulfureuse vu l’âcre rivalité entre les deux clubs méditerranéens, mardi (20h45). Les supporters niçois sont d’ailleurs interdits de déplacement.Lyon aussi dispute un petit derby en se déplaçant chez son voisin de Bourgoin-Jallieu, un club de N3.Quatre autres pensionnaires du cinquième niveau national sont en compétition, tous rêvant d’hériter de l’appellation Petit Poucet en 8e de finale.La formation de Haute-Loire Espaly-Saint-Marcel se retrouve face à la montagne PSG, un match joué à Clermont-Ferrand. A une semaine d’un rendez-vous capital pour son avenir en Ligue des champions avec la réception de Manchester City au Parc des Princes, le club de la capitale, tenant du titre, va sans doute faire tourner son effectif mais ne peut pas se permettre une humiliation contre des amateurs.   Le programme:Mardi:(20h45) SU Dives-Cabourg (N3) – Le Puy (N2)Le Mans (Nat) – Valenciennes (Nat)Haguenau (N2) – Dunkerque (L2)Guingamp (L2) – Sochaux (Nat)Reims (L1) – Monaco (L1)Bastia (L2) – Nice (L1)(21h10) Marseille (L1) – Lille (L1)Mercredi:(18h00) Bourgoin Jallieu (N3) – Lyon (L1)(18h30) Toulouse (L1) – Laval (L2)Quevilly-Rouen (Nat) – Angers (L1)Troyes (L2) – Rennes (L1)Stade Briochin (N3) – Annecy (L2)AS Cannes (N2) – Lorient (L2)Brest (L1) – Nantes (L1)Thaon (N3) – Strasbourg (L1)(21h00) Espaly (N3) – Paris SG (L1)

Japanese tourist magnet Kyoto to hike hotel taxes

Kyoto authorities announced Tuesday plans to hike lodging taxes, as Japan’s ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.Lured by its myriad sights and a weak yen, Japan has seen foreign tourism numbers explode in recent years, with arrivals in 2024 expected to have hit a record of more than 35 million.But like other hotspots worldwide such as Venice in Italy or Maya Bay in Thailand, this is not universally welcome, particularly in tradition-steeped Kyoto.The city, which is a modest bullet train ride away from Tokyo — with a view of Mount Fuji on the way — is famed for its kimono-clad geisha performers and Buddhist temples.Residents have complained of disrespectful tourists harassing the geisha like paparazzi in their frenzy for photos, as well as causing traffic congestion and littering.For rooms costing between 20,000 and 50,000 yen ($127-317) per night, visitors will now see their tax double to 1,000 yen ($6.35) per person per night, under the new plans.For accommodation over 100,000 yen per night it will soar tenfold to 10,000 yen. The new levies will take effect next year, subject to approval from the city assembly.”We intend to hike accommodation tax to realise ‘sustainable tourism’ with a high level of satisfaction for citizens, tourists and businesses,” a statement said.- Cigarette butts -Tensions are highest in the Gion district, home to teahouses where “geiko” — the local name for geisha — and their “maiko” apprentices perform traditional dances and play instruments.Last year authorities moved to ban visitors from entering certain narrow private alleys in Gion after pressure from a council of local residents.One council member told local media about an instance of a maiko’s kimono being torn and another who had a cigarette butt put in her collar.In 2019, the Gion district council put up signs saying “no photography on private roads” warning of fines of up to 10,000 yen.”I appreciate tourists visiting the city, but there are also some downsides like the impact on the environment,” resident Daichi Hayase told AFP, welcoming the new taxes.”But it doesn’t mean the city should impose excessive taxes. Tourists are coming despite painful inflation,” the 38-year-old photographer said.”If there’s a burden on the infrastructure, I do think taxing tourists is a good idea,” said Australian tourist Larry Cooke, 21.But he said that the city had to find the “right balance”.- Fuji blocked -Tourism has been booming for over a decade in Japan, with foreign arrivals rising five-fold between 2012 and when the Covid pandemic torpedoed foreign travel in 2020.Since restrictions were lifted, and the government is hoping to welcome 60 million tourists per year by 2030, almost double last year’s expected total.Authorities have also taken steps beyond Kyoto, including introducing an entry fee and a daily cap on the number of hikers climbing Mount Fuji.Last year a barrier was briefly erected outside a convenience store with a spectacular view of the famous snow-capped volcano that had become a magnet for photo-hungry visitors.And in December Ginzan Onsen, a Japanese hot spring town with made-for-Instagram snowy scenes began stopping anyone arriving after 8:00 pm if they don’t have a hotel booked.

LA teams hope return to action can spark joy for fire-weary fans

The Los Angeles Rams reached the second round of the NFL playoffs on Monday as the Lakers and Clippers returned to NBA action in the fire-ravaged city, all paying tribute to first responders and offering solace to fans.”Sports are a lot of things and sports can certainly provide an escape and a distraction,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who lost the home he shared with his wife and two sons when the Palisades fire erupted last week.”Hopefully sports tonight can provide some joy as well,” Redick said.More than 90,000 people remained displaced Monday, seven days after multiple wind-driven blazes erupted.At least 24 people have been killed and thousands left without homes, and authorities warned that winds forecast to intensify again on Tuesday could lead to “extreme fire behavior and life-threatening conditions.”Two Lakers games and one Clippers game had been postponed before Monday’s contests went ahead, and both teams dedicated the night to the community and first responders.The Lakers fell to the San Antonio Spurs 126-102 at their Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA while the Clippers beat the Miami Heat 109-98 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood several miles south.Meanwhile the Rams dominated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in an NFL wild card round playoff game relocated to Glendale, Arizona, because of the fires.The Arizona Cardinals’ home stadium was transformed with the colors and logos of the Rams. The team chartered a convoy of buses to bring fans from Los Angeles, with people turning up at SoFi Stadium before dawn to start the six-hour trip.Fans brandished flags and signs thanking fire fighters and Rachel Platten performed her anthemic “Fight Song” in a pre-game ceremony.The song celebrating resilience fit the “LA Strong” message sent Monday by the city’s beloved teams.Earlier in the day, a dozen Los Angeles pro clubs pledged $8 million toward wildfire relief and outlined plans for three events to distribute supplies to those affected by blazes still ravaging the United States’ second-largest city.- Stand together -In addition to that concrete support, quarterback Matthew Stafford said the Rams hoped to provide a little emotional uplift as well.”We knew what we were playing for,” he said. “It’s a tough time to be back (in Los Angeles). We’re just happy that we came out and played like this tonight to get (fans) something to be happy about.”Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said he hoped his team’s game could “bring some smiles to some faces” although he acknowledged that “once these games are over it’s still back to real life.”Veteran James Harden, a Los Angeles native, scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half to fuel a Clippers comeback and after the game leaned in to the “LA Strong” theme.”We’re going through some tough times right now,” Harden said. “Something we’ve never seen before. So it’s very, very powerful for us to stand together… as one we can stand together and get through it.”Spurs veteran Chris Paul, a former Clipper whose family had to evacuate their Los Angeles home, said the uncertainty caused by the fires was hard on the visiting teams, too.”But I think us along with the Lakers probably were just excited to get a chance to hoop,” said Paul who was a teammate of Reddick when both were with the Clippers.He and Victor Wembanyama gave jerseys to Redick’s young sons after the game.Lakers star Anthony Davis was only sorry that the Lakers couldn’t come up with a victory.”One thing we found out during the course of Covid is sports kind of brings joy back to people, even if it’s temporary,” Davis said. “We were eager to play basketball again in front of our fans — it sucks that we weren’t able to get the win.”