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Trump-backed World Liberty in talks to launch $1.5 billion WLFI treasury firm

Business Home » Business » Trump-backed World Liberty in talks to launch $1.5 billion WLFI treasury firm by Vivian Nguyen Aug. 9, 2025 Strong investor interest and regulatory shifts drive Trump-linked firm’s latest move into public digital-asset offerings and stablecoin innovation. Key Takeaways World Liberty Financial, backed by the Trump family, aims to raise $1.5 billion and establish a public company to hold WLFI tokens. The WLFI token, initially non-transferable, is planned to become publicly tradable. Share this article World Liberty Financial, the DeFi project backed by the Trump family, is exploring plans to establish a public company that would hold WLFI, its native crypto asset, Bloomberg reported Friday. The company is said to be targeting a raise of approximately $1.5 billion to fund the vehicle’s launch. The company is approaching major investors from the technology and crypto sectors, with talks reportedly progressing quickly, though the deal’s structure remains under development. The new crypto treasury strategy comes after World Liberty completed a $550 million WLFI token sale in March. The token was originally designed as a non-transferable governance token, but is becoming publicly tradeable following a governance vote last month. The Trump-endorsed company has advanced its DeFi products, including the launch of USD1, its flagship stablecoin. It plans to roll out a crypto lending app leveraging its stablecoin USD1. The platform aims to support activities such as lending, borrowing, and digital asset trading. Share this article Read More

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El Salvador set to roll out Bitcoin banks amid growing national BTC stockpile

Bitcoin Home » Bitcoin » El Salvador set to roll out Bitcoin banks amid growing national BTC stockpile Powered by Gloria | Edited by Vivian Nguyen Aug. 8, 2025 Central American nation unveils plans for Bitcoin banks but offers few details Photo: Rolan Barrientos/APHOTOGRAFIA/Getty Images Key Takeaways El Salvador may soon introduce Bitcoin banks, further expanding its commitment to crypto adoption. Specific details regarding the timeline or structure of the Bitcoin banks were not disclosed in the announcement. Share this article El Salvador may be on the verge of launching its first Bitcoin banks, the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), the government body promoting the country’s Bitcoin strategy, has revealed. 🇸🇻🚀 pic.twitter.com/DEGUKMmhfd — The Bitcoin Office (@bitcoinofficesv) August 8, 2025 Specifics about those banks have not been disclosed, though the National Bitcoin Office says they will be announced soon. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has offered no statement so far. This comes after the government of El Salvador proposed a reform to establish a private investment bank, facilitating operations in both Bitcoin and the US dollar. The initiative, aimed at expanding financing options for sophisticated investors, would enable the bank to offer deposits, lending, and other services denominated in BTC. The proposal, which requires the bank to have a minimum capital of $50 million and permits foreign shareholders, also seeks to loosen regulations for private banks handling digital assets and Bitcoin services. The anticipated rollout would be in line with the country’s BTC strategy, which already includes making Bitcoin legal tender, building national reserves, and attracting crypto investment. El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings keep growing despite skepticism from crypto circles over how the country is expanding its national BTC stockpile under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), especially when finance officials confirmed that the country has made no new Bitcoin purchases since February 2025. The Central American nation currently holds 6,262 BTC, valued at over $730 million at current market prices, according to data from Arkham Intelligence. Share this article Read More

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Hyperliquid (HYPE) Gains 21% in a Week, Breakout to $100 in Sight

You are here: Home / News / Hyperliquid (HYPE) Gains 21% in a Week, Breakout to $100 in Sight Hyperliquid (HYPE) surged 6.78% in 24 hours and 21.78% over the past week, trading near $44 with strong market momentum. Key resistance lies between $47 and $51, where a short squeeze of nearly $1 million could trigger further gains toward $55. A confirmed breakout could propel HYPE toward the $100 mark, with risk management suggested around a $37 stop-loss. Hyperliquid (HYPE) is riding strong bullish momentum, up 21% in the last week, approaching a key resistance zone that could trigger a breakout and fuel further gains. Market signals point to growing investor confidence, with steady accumulation suggesting the rally could extend toward major price milestones. At the time of writing, HYPE is trading at $43.91 up by 6.78%, backed by a strong 24-hour trading volume of $422.28 million. Its market capitalization currently stands at an impressive $14.66 billion, underscoring growing investor interest and confidence. Hyperliquid Nears $47–$51 Zone, Short Squeeze Possible Market data suggests that Hyperliquid is experiencing healthy liquidity in the $47 to $51 range. Technical analysts believe that a strong breakout above this region could take HYPE up to the region of $52 to $55. Source: X Specifically, there is almost $1 million short against this range, awaiting short squeezes that would increase definitive upward momentum. Warnings to short holders: Be on notice to keep a tight leash on your risks. Hyperliquid Price Holds Bullish Structure Renowned crypto analyst Crypto Patel has also commented on the recent trajectory of HYPE, referencing the token’s positive momentum and ability to break through significant resistance levels. Source: X Patel makes the observation that if a breakout is solidified by Hyperliquid, the token can become a part of the elite $100 club before long, a feat that will considerably increase its valuation. “Bullish structure intact,” said Patel. “A confirmed breakout can kick off the next leg of expansion, attracting fresh capital and momentum.” Risk management calls for a stop-loss around $37 to safeguard investments against volatility, according to Patel. While attention is focused on Hyperliquid, the next few days will be crucial to decide if the token is able to maintain its bullish momentum and touch fresh all-time highs. Also Read | Hyperliquid’s Explosive $1.1 Billion Revenue Triggers $54 Price Target HYPE Derivatives Market Shift Hints at Accumulation HYPE’s volume decreased by -4.91% to $1.37B, revealing lower short-term activity, while open interest rose 9.92% to $1.88B, revealing increased long-term positioning. Such a divergence usually indicates increased investors’ conviction despite decreasing short-term market turnover. The OI-weighted funding rate is 0.0088%, which implies a gentle bullish bias in the derivatives without overheating indications. Such low and positive funding rates usually coincide with steady accumulation phases, indicating cautious optimism and gradual positioning, and not speculative excess for the market. Also Read | Hyperliquid (HYPE) Price Forecast: Bulls Eye $52 Breakout as Technical Strength Builds About Bena Ilyas Bena Ilyas is an experienced crypto journalist with over four years of work covering digital assets, blockchain, Web3, and fintech. She has written more than 1,000 articles for top platforms, including Coinspeaker, Crypto News Flash, TronWeekly, NewsBTC, and AltcoinBeacon. Read More

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Bittensor Eyes Explosive $460 Target: Is a Major Breakout Coming?

You are here: Home / News / Bittensor Eyes Explosive $460 Target: Is a Major Breakout Coming? Bittensor rises 5.81% to $387, but trading volume drops 20.71% to $127.31M, signaling a market slowdown. TAO is up 15.91% in the last week, showing strong positive momentum despite declining volume. Breaking the 100-day moving average could drive the TAO price to $460, $570, and $710. Bittensor (TAO) is currently trading at $387, gaining 5.81% in the last 24 hours. The volume of trading in this period, however, is $127.31 million, which represents a drop of 20.71%. This decrease indicates that the market has become sluggish, although there is an increase in price. Source: CoinMarketCap In the last seven days, the price of TAO has risen by 15.91%, signaling a robust positive trend. Although the recent drop in volume contributes to growth, it is an indication that investors are still interested in the coin. The current upsurge in price exhibits prospects of additional profit in the subsequent days. Bittensor Approaches Key Breakout Level with $710 Target Crypto analyst Jonathan Carter has highlighted that Bittensor is developing an ascending triangle on the daily chart. The price still is getting compressed against the upper line of resistance, but it is getting closer support at higher lows.  Source: X As long as the 100-day moving average can be breached by TAO, it may drive the price further to levels of $460, $570, and $710. An effective breakout would indicate that the bullish market trend of Bittensor would most probably persist, which provides good growth opportunities to investors. RSI Signals Stability, MACD Points to Possible Volatility The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has a value of 53.36, indicating that the asset is neither overbought nor oversold. This neutral stance indicates that there is yet scope to continue the growth without a near-term retreat. The RSI is likely to be followed by traders, since it can indicate the time that an asset needs a correction. Source: TradingView Also Read: Toncoin Price Prediction: Will Stable Momentum Push TON Toward $3.66? The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) displays ambiguity. The MACD is at -0.9, indicating near-term bearish pressure. The signal line is waving at -5.6, and the histogram is at -6.5, which is an indication of volatility. Although the price is increasing positively, the data on MACD warns to be careful, as the market may fluctuate. Open Interest Increases as Volume Drops in Market According to CoinGlass data, the open interest in Bittensor has grown by 2.84%, up to $318.30 million. This demonstrates that an increasing number of traders are getting involved with TAO, and this is an additional sign of market interest.  The volume, however, reduced by 3.42% to $334.15 million. The TAO OI-weighted funding rate is 0.0052%, which implies that the market is balanced even though there is reduced trading. Source: CoinGlass Bittensor has a promising growth potential and is restricted by a decrease in trading volume and mixed momentum indicators. The market is taking signals of caution even as investor appetite is high. The important technical levels that traders should pay attention to are the 100-day moving average, RSI, and MACD, which will define whether the price of Bittensor will rise or fall. Also Read: AERO Aims For $1.12 Following Coinbase DEX Launch About Yahya Raza Sherazi Yahya Raza Sherazi is a crypto news journalist at TronWeekly, focusing on delivering clear insights into the latest trends in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Committed to educating and empowering readers, he aims to make the complex world of crypto accessible and understandable. Read More

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SUI Secures Swiss Bank Integration for Institutions and Targets $6.7 Price Rally

You are here: Home / News / SUI Secures Swiss Bank Integration for Institutions and Targets $6.7 Price Rally SUI gains 5.05% in 24 hours and 17.79% over the past week, trading near $3.94 with $2.26B volume. Sygnum becomes the first Swiss bank to offer full institutional services for SUI, including custody, trading, and staking. Technicals show a bullish cup & handle pattern; a breakout above $4.00 could target $6.77–$6.79. SUI, the native token of the Sui blockchain, is registering significant upward movement against the backdrop of dominant bullish market trends. In the last 24 hours, the token has increased by nearly 5.05%, which is a significant difference from the 17.79% gain over the last week. At the time of writing, SUI is trading around $3.94, supported by a 24-hour trading volume of $2.26 billion and a market capitalization of $9.23 billion, highlighting growing investor interest. Sygnum Becomes First Swiss Bank to Fully Support SUI SUI institutional trust has received a significant lift since recent news from Sygnum Bank. According to Fundseurope’s Piyasi Mitra, Sygnum’s announcement of the initial Swiss bank to provide a regulated platform on a full basis for SUI is a milestone achieved during July 2025. 📰 @fundseurope’s Piyasi Mitra writes about Sygnum’s announcement of SUI support for clients, following its role as banking partner to the @SuiFoundation. “Sygnum was the first Swiss bank to fully integrate Sui into its regulated platform, completing the rollout in July 2025.… pic.twitter.com/6kHanWg1pp — Sygnum Bank (@sygnumofficial) August 8, 2025 The integration offers clients full services ranging from institutional-grade custody through spot and derivative trading, including staking abilities. Mitra highlights that the move enables professional investors such as banks, asset managers, and high-net-worth individuals to safely keep and sell the token via a Swiss banking structure. Of particular significance, client holdings are held off-balance sheet and bankruptcy-proof to meet regulatory standards and provide ultimate investor protection. SUI Forms Bullish Cup & Handle Pattern, Breakout Imminent Technically, Edle.sui, who is one of the official ambassadors of the SUI network, has highlighted a well-known bullish pattern developing on the daily SUI/USDT chart. The token is developing a “cup and handle” formation, a well-tracked sign of a possible breakout on the higher side. A convincing breakthrough over the $3.90–$4.00 resistance area could open doors to targets around $6.77–$6.79. Source: X Nevertheless, bulls need to be cautious of sturdy resistance levels near the neckline and the long-term downtrend line. Positive news is that the MACD has only recently moved above bullish levels, and volume is accumulating, providing additional momentum to the potential breakout. With institutional accumulation gaining momentum and techs aligning, the token could be positioning for a powerful upmove regardless of the general bearish market sentiment. Also Read | SUI Targets $4.50 as Swiss Bank Partnership Powers Price Rally SUI Derivatives Signal Cautious Bullishness Open interest on SUI is higher by 0.53% at $2.06B, and volume declined 16.12% to $5.76B. Investors are building positions but reducing volume, suggesting cautious accumulation. Such patterns tend to be a prerequisite to strong movements as the market prepares for a breakout. A volume explosion could be the determining factor on whether the trend is sustained or reversed. The OI-weighted funding rate is 0.0119%, and this is a mild long bias without too much leverage. In stable conditions, this is a sign of cautious optimism. The bulls enjoy a mild edge, but the mood is not overpowering. Any swift rate shift can swing momentum sharply. Also Read | SUI Holds $3.30 Support With $3.62 in Sight: Can Bulls Regain Control? About Bena Ilyas Bena Ilyas is an experienced crypto journalist with over four years of work covering digital assets, blockchain, Web3, and fintech. She has written more than 1,000 articles for top platforms, including Coinspeaker, Crypto News Flash, TronWeekly, NewsBTC, and AltcoinBeacon. Read More

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Litecoin Eyes $250 After MEI Pharma’s $100 Million Acquisition Sparks Bullish Momentum

You are here: Home / News / Litecoin Eyes $250 After MEI Pharma’s $100 Million Acquisition Sparks Bullish Momentum Litecoin is trading at $123.32, up 14.08% in a week, with $2.41B volume and $9.39B market cap. MEI Pharma buys 929,548 LTC at $107.58 each, marking the first public company to add Litecoin to its treasury. Analysts eye a potential $250 target if LTC breaks key resistance and holds above the $64 support. Litecoin (LTC) has surged 14.08% in the past week to $126.13, boosted by MEI Pharma’s landmark $100M purchase, the first public company to add LTC to its treasury, as it approaches a key technical breakout zone. At the time of writing, Litecoin is trading at $122.45, supported by a decisive 24-hour volume of $2.41 billion and a market capitalization of $9.39 billion. MEI Pharma Adds Litecoin to Corporate Treasury The recent price jump seems driven by a major corporate buy. According to on-chain and market coverage, crypto analyst Santolita shared that MEI Pharma has purchased 929,548 LTC, averaging out at a rate of $107.58 per coin, a stunning $100 million treasury buy. MEI Pharma acquired 929,548 $LTC at $107.58 per coin, a $100M treasury move This makes MEI Pharma the first public company to adopt Litecoin as a strategic reserve pic.twitter.com/vReOstiDQt — Santolita (@SantoXBT) August 8, 2025 The acquisition is the first public company to legally utilize Litecoin under its strategic reserve, a first-time indicator reflecting a growing institutional backing for the cryptocurrency. Litecoin Approaches Major Technical Breakout Zone Technically, More Crypto Online emphasized the LTC’s pricing structure. The analysts point out that LTC is seeking to breach a significant resistance barrier. As long as purchasing remains strong and the figure is retained above $64, a principal support region, LTC can climb towards $250 in the medium term. Source: X However, analysts caution that Litecoin’s rise since 2018 has tended to be non-impulsive and, as a result, the current configuration is weak. A significant Bitcoin top could nonetheless cause a reversal of LTC’s momentum, and ongoing observation will be needed by Investors. Currently, the combination of corporate adoption, technological superiority, and steady demand from investors is standing its ground for the bulls, and the market will be eager to find out if this surge can keep up its momentum. Also Read | Litecoin Surges Over 11% in a Week, Analysts Eye $350 Breakout Target Litecoin Builds Leverage Despite Lower Volume, Bullish Setup Ahead Open interest has increased by +1.05% to $1.11B, and the increased positions entering the market make sense. Trading volume fell -16.54% to $1.86B, showing declining spot activity. The two together indicate that the traders are adding leverage quietly even when market activity is thin. It is a likely setup for a larger move when momentum arises. OI-weighted funding rate is 0.0142%, showing evenly matched positioning. LTC funding rate has been overall positive, hinting at gentle bullish pressure. Short dips below the zero level are brief moments of bearish dominance. The market is bullish on the whole without overheating signs. Also Read | Litecoin Surges 14% as ETF Buzz, Market Momentum Push LTC Toward $140 About Zagham Abbas Zagham Abbas is a crypto journalist at TronWeekly, focusing on market trends, blockchain innovation, and emerging developments in the digital asset space. He previously contributed to CoinCult and BTC Politan, where he covered key events shaping the crypto industry. With over three years of writing experience, he brings a research-driven and timely approach to crypto reporting. Read More

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Kristi Noem Rips ‘South Park’ As ‘Lazy’ And ‘Petty’

Topline Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said on Thursday night her portrayal on this week’s episode of “South Park,” which has garnered criticism from Washington for ripping President Donald Trump and his administration, is “petty” and “lazy,” but admitted she didn’t watch the episode. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called her portrayal in “South Park” “lazy” and “petty.” (Photo by Alex Brandon / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images Key Facts Noem appeared on conservative radio host Glenn Beck’s show Thursday night, where she said it is “so lazy to constantly make fun of women for how they look.” On the Wednesday night episode of “South Park,” Noem was portrayed wearing makeup and an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement uniform, and in one scene, her Botox procedure dissolved, causing the cartoon character’s face to melt. On Thursday night, South Park made the image of Noem’s character’s face melting its profile picture across its social media platforms. Noem called the portrayal “petty,” stating it’s “always the liberals and the extremists who do that. If they wanted to criticize my job, go ahead and do that, but clearly they can’t.” In another scene, Noem is depicted shooting a dog—a reference to Noem’s own claim that she once shot and killed her young dog because it was aggressive—and conducting ICE raids at a live production of “Dora the Explorer” to target Latinos. Vice President JD Vance, who is also satirized in the episode as a comedically short sidekick to Trump, responded to the episode on Thursday morning: “Well, I’ve finally made it.” What Happened On The Latest “south Park” Episode? On Wednesday night’s episode, recurring character Mr. Mackey loses his job as a teacher because of Trump’s Department of Education budget cuts and decides to take a job as an ICE officer. Noem appears in an orientation video where she says she killed her dog by “shooting it in the face,” and the dog-killing becomes a running gag throughout the episode. Noem also instructs her ICE agents: “Remember, only detain the brown ones!” The episode also targets Trump and Vance, with Trump once again portrayed as Satan’s lover and having small genitals. How Have “south Park” And The Trump Administration Sparred? Before Wednesday’s episode even aired, “South Park” and the Department of Homeland Security traded barbs on X. The show posted a still from the then-forthcoming episode on Tuesday, depicting Mr. Mackey in an ICE uniform alongside the satirized Noem. Later that day, the official DHS X account posted a still from the episode alongside a link urging people to join ICE. “South Park” responded to the agency’s post on Tuesday night: “Wait, so we ARE relevant? #eatabagofdicks,” referencing the White House’s statement that the show “hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years” after it skewered Trump in July’s season premiere. Key Background “South Park” aired the first episode of its 27th season in July, which angered the White House for targeting Trump. In the episode, Trump is depicted as Satan’s lover, with multiple references to his small genitals, the Jeffrey Epstein client list and the administration’s settlement with Paramount. The episode concludes on a lifelike version of Trump wandering nude through a desert, presented as a public service announcement—a reference to Trump’s claim the Paramount settlement includes $20 million worth of advertising and PSAs for the administration on CBS. Further Reading New ‘South Park’ Episode Skewers Trump Again—Shows Kristi Noem Killing Puppies And Toddler-Sized JD Vance (Forbes) ‘South Park’ Mocks Homeland Security In Social Media Spat—Latest Scuffle Between Show And Trump Administration (Forbes) Read More

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Texas AG Ken Paxton Files Lawsuit To Vacate 13 Democratic House Seats

Topline Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking to vacate 13 Texas House seats belonging to Democrats who fled the state last weekend in protest of a controversial redistricting vote anticipated to benefit the GOP, filing a lawsuit that marks the latest attempt at pressuring the Democrats to return to Texas and resume a quorum. Paxton filed the suit with the Texas Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Key Facts Paxton, who filed the lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court, called the Democrats “cowards” in a statement, alleging their absence from the Texas House “sabotaged the constitutional process and violated the oath they swore to uphold.” The lawsuit argues Democrats’ decision to not attend the vote demonstrates “an intent to relinquish and abandon their offices.” While the lawsuit applies to 13 Texas House seats, over 50 Democrats have left the state to block Republican lawmakers from voting on the redistricting, which could provide the GOP with another five seats in the U.S. House, expanding on their slim majority in the chamber. Paxton’s lawsuit comes just a few days after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott filed a similar petition asking the Texas Supreme Court to declare that state Rep. Gene Wu, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, has forfeited his office by leaving Texas. Forbes has reached out to the Texas House Democratic Caucus for comment. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here. Will Paxton And Abbott’s Lawsuits Seeking To Remove Democrats Hold Up In Court? Possibly, though there are some hurdles. The Texas Supreme Court is fully lined with nine Republican judges, some of whom were appointed by Abbott. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock is Abbott’s former general counsel. However, the chief justice issued a 2021 opinion stating the Texas Constitution “does enable quorum breaking by a minority faction,” meaning Democrats’ actions to block the vote could be lawful, though Blacklock noted the Constitution allows lawmakers to penalize members to compel their attendance. It is unlikely Democrats’ breaking of the quorum amounts to the intent to abandon a seat, University of Missouri constitutional law expert Charles “Rocky” Rhodes, told The Texas Tribune. What To Watch For A statute allowing Paxton and local district attorneys to ask courts to remove lawmakers says as long as there is “probable ground” to challenge lawmakers’ offices, local judges will be the deciding factor in booting them out from a chamber. That means vacating their seats could turn into a lengthy process, with Paxton noting in a podcast appearance with right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson that, “We’d have to go through the court process, and we’d have to file … in districts that are not friendly to Republicans.” Key Background In addition to the lawsuits, Texas officials have issued arrest warrants for the Democrats who left the state, though the warrants are largely symbolic as they only apply within state lines. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, urged the FBI this week to assist in arresting or locating the Democratic lawmakers, claiming they “may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses.” The Democrats are facing fines of $500 per day as they remain out of state, leading Republicans to suggest bribery charges for donations used to fund the fines or travel expenses. The allegations made by Republicans may not stick. Political attorney Andrew Cates told Forbes the “idea of a group supporting the Texas Democrats as a whole or individually, just supporting them with funds, is inherently not illegal.” Texas law also calls for “direct evidence” of a bribery agreement to prove the allegation. It also must be clear an official’s actions would not have been carried out if they did not receive a bribe. It is unclear when the Democrats will return to Texas. They will need to stay out of Texas until November to fully block the vote on the Congressional redistricting. Further Reading Texas Gov. Wants Democrats Who Left State Kicked Out Of Office. Can He Legally Do It? (Forbes) Texas Democrats Face Fines, Bribery Charges For Leaving State—Why Legal Experts Are Skeptical They’ll Be Punished (Forbes) Read More

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‘South Park’ Doubles Broadcast Viewers With Latest Episode Skewering Trump

Topline Nearly twice as many viewers tuned in to the latest “South Park” episode on Comedy Central this week compared to the season premiere in July, as the satirical cartoon continues to skewer the Trump administration, provoking the White House’s rage. “South Park” writer-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have skewered the Trump administration in recent episodes. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Paramount+) Getty Images for Paramount+ Key Facts The Comedy Central broadcast of the new “South Park” episode—which lambasted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raids—drew 838,000 viewers on Wednesday night, according to the Hollywood Reporter. That’s almost double the 430,000 viewers who watched the “South Park” season 27 premiere, which targeted President Donald Trump and Paramount, on Comedy Central two weeks ago. These viewership figures do not count the millions more viewers who watch “South Park” on Paramount+, where episodes are now available to stream after the series struck a $1.5 billion deal with the company to produce more episodes and relocate the “South Park” catalog from HBO Max to Paramount+. The season premiere reportedly garnered 5.9 million viewers within its first three days across Comedy Central and Paramount+. How Has “south Park” Angered The Trump Administration? In this week’s episode, “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone skewered Noem, depicting her dressed in an ICE agent uniform in full glam and a Botox procedure that repeatedly melts off her face. In the episode, her character shoots multiple dogs, mocking her own claim that she once shot her young dog because it behaved aggressively, and she led an ICE raid at a live production of “Dora the Explorer” to target Latinos. The “South Park” character Mr. Mackey joins ICE as an agent after losing his job as a guidance counselor because of Trump’s Department of Education budget cuts. The season 27 premiere, which aired July 23, targeted Trump and his lawsuit settlement with Paramount, portraying the president as Satan’s lover, though Satan repeatedly rebuffs his advances. Trump is portrayed in the episode as having comedically small genitals, and the episode concludes on a faux public service announcement in which a lifelike Trump wanders nude through a desert as a voiceover says Trump’s genitals are “teeny tiny, but his love for us is large.” The episode also depicts Jesus Christ visiting South Park, who said he had to because of the “lawsuit and an agreement with Paramount” as he warned the townspeople: “Do you really want to end up like Colbert?” referencing the canceled late-night show. How Have Trump Administration Officials Responded To Their “south Park” Portrayals? Noem said on conservative radio host Glenn Beck’s show Thursday night she felt the portrayal was “petty,” calling it “so lazy to constantly make fun of women for how they look.” Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar and former acting director of ICE, told Chris Cuomo on News Nation Thursday night he felt “the parody was just in bad form and certainly, certainly bad timing,” alleging rhetoric critical of ICE contributes to increased violence against agents. Vice President JD Vance, who was satirized in this week’s episode as a toddler-sized Trump sidekick, responded in a post on X: “Well, I’ve finally made it.” The White House condemned the season premiere last month, calling “South Park” a “fourth-rate” show that “hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.” Tangent David Ellison, the new CEO of Paramount following its merger with Skydance, praised “South Park” in an interview with CNN Friday. “Matt and Trey are incredibly talented. They are equal opportunity offenders and always have been,” Ellison said. Further Reading Kristi Noem Rips ‘South Park’ Portrayal As ‘Lazy’ And ‘Petty’ (Forbes) ‘South Park’ Mocks Homeland Security In Social Media Spat—Latest Scuffle Between Show And Trump Administration (Forbes) Read More

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Lauren Sánchez Spotted Wearing $300,000 Richard Mille Watch In Ibiza

Topline Lauren Sánchez, who married billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in a star-studded Italian celebration in June, was spotted in Ibiza, Spain, this week wearing a diamond-studded Richard Mille watch that retails for close to $300,000. Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos on June 28, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Key Facts Paparazzi photos of Sánchez and Bezos show Sánchez sporting the “Dark Night” watch from Mille’s RM 07-01 Intergalactic series. The black watch is made from Carbon TPT, strong composite material used in high-performance products like racing yachts and Formula 1 cars, and is set with diamonds and red gold prongs. The baseplate is made with titanium, the external edge is a red gold and it has jewels placed in and around the watch face. No price for the timepiece is included on the Richard Mille website, but it is for listed sale at third party retailers between $260,000 and $298,000. The watch is one of four in the intergalactic series of diamond-studded pieces inspired by the Big Bang theory of the universe: “A sudden explosion was followed by the emergence of millions of glittering stars,” the Mille website reads. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/forbes. Key Background Reports of a romantic relationship between Sánchez, a former journalist, and Bezos, the fourth richest person in the world, first emerged in 2019. Her jewelry has made headlines since. The couple was engaged in 2023 when Bezos gave Sánchez a rare pink diamond in a cushion cut. Jewelers have estimated the stone, which has a slight rose tone, could be as large as 30 carats and worth between $3 million and $5 million. The gem is held up on a thin, cathedral-style pavé band and has two pavé hidden halos. During wedding festivities in June, Sánchez was spotted wearing a second engagement-style ring with an oval stone estimated to cost about $4 million. The brilliant cut stone is somewhere between 30 and 40 carats, experts have estimated, and is set in a platinum mounting with another double hidden halo. She’s also been seen wearing a necklace with more than 200 carats of Colombian emeralds. a personalized diamond bracelet with the initials “LB” and was wed in a pair of pear-cut diamond earrings estimated to cost $5 million. Tangent Richard Mille is a luxury watch brand spotted on celebrities like tennis star Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, musician Pharrell Williams and actress Michelle Yeoh, who was wearing a piece from the same “intergalactic” line as Sánchez when she became the first Asian woman to win a leading film acting prize at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Actor Jackie Chan has a collection of Richard Mille watches estimated to be worth upwards of $10 million and collaborated with the brand’s designers to create the RM 057. Called the “Tourbillon Jackie Chan,” the brand says the piece was inspired by Chan’s Chinese name, which means “the one who will become the dragon.” The watch’s baseplate is black onyx and features a red and gold dragon engraving. Thirty six of the limited edition pieces were made in 2012, which was also the year of the dragon on the Chinese lunar calendar. Big Number $8.25 million. That’s how much the most expensive Richard Mile watch ever sold fetched at a 2020 auction, according to Swisswatches Magazine. The RM 52-01 Skull Tourbillon, also called the Vanitas Vanitatum, features a skull design and case made of brown sapphire crystal. What To Watch For Richard Mille watches getting even more expensive. The brand, based in Switzerland, is subject to a 39% tariff rate imposed by the United States that went into effect Thursday. Switzerland is home to the world’s most luxurious watch brands and the U.S. is Switzerland’s top foreign watch market, with exports to America having grown 14% each year since 2019. Forbes Valuation Bezos, the fourth-richest person in the world, had an estimated net worth of $236.7 billion Friday. He owns 9% of Amazon, the e-commerce giant he founded, and also owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, an aerospace company developing rockets. Bezos and his first wife, MacKenzie Scott, divorced in 2019 after 25 years of marriage and he transferred a quarter of his then-16% Amazon stake to her. She has a net worth of $31.5 billion, making her the world’s 60th richest person. Further Reading ForbesSwitzerland Slapped With Super-High 39% U.S. Tariff—Impacting These Luxury ImportsBy Mary Whitfill RoeloffsForbesFrom Innovation To Triumph—Richard Mille’s Boundary-Breaking Ascent To The Summit Of Swiss WatchmakingBy Richard Mille Contributor | Paid ProgramForbesHow Richard Mille Created One Of The Watch World’s Most Desired BrandsBy Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle Read More

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