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AI Home » AI » OpenAI to be valued at $500 billion in new employee share sale by Estefano Gomez Aug. 19, 2025 The deal would make OpenAI the world’s most valuable private company, surpassing SpaceX. Key Takeaways $6B in shares to be sold by staff to SoftBank, Thrive, Dragoneer, valuing ChatGPT maker above SpaceX. Secondary sale talks follow $40B SoftBank-led funding round at $300B valuation. Share this article OpenAI is in talks to be valued at $500 billion through a new employee share sale, according to a report from The New York Times. The transaction, still under discussion, would involve current and former OpenAI employees selling about $6 billion worth of stock to an investor group that includes SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Dragoneer Investment Group. The structure is a secondary market deal, allowing staff to cash out equity without requiring the company to go public. At $500 billion, OpenAI would surpass Elon Musk’s SpaceX to become the most valuable privately held company, according to CB Insights. The AI firm has rapidly scaled in valuation over the past year, from $157 billion in October to $300 billion in March. That March round, led primarily by SoftBank, committed $40 billion in funding, of which $30 billion could still be delivered before year-end. Bloomberg reported that OpenAI expects revenue to triple in 2025 to $12.7 billion, with the launch of its new GPT-5 model fueling adoption. Share this article Read More

Bitcoin Home » Bitcoin » David Bailey’s Bitcoin treasury KindlyMD acquires $679 million in BTC Powered by Gloria | Edited by Vivian Nguyen Aug. 19, 2025 Bailey thinks Bitcoin will be a foundation for the next phase of global finance, acting as a key asset in the financial system. Key Takeaways KindlyMD acquired 5,744 Bitcoin worth approximately $679 million through its subsidiary Nakamoto Holdings. The purchase is part of KindlyMD’s strategy to accumulate one million Bitcoin as a corporate reserve asset. Share this article KindlyMD, led by President Donald Trump’s Bitcoin advisor David Bailey, announced Tuesday it had spent approximately $679 million to accumulate around 5,744 Bitcoin. With the latest acquisition, KindlyMD’s Bitcoin stash surpasses 5,764 units, equating to over $655 million at current prices of about $113,840. The company used PIPE proceeds for the purchase as part of its strategy to acquire one million Bitcoin under the Nakamoto Bitcoin Treasury. Commenting on KindlyMD’s BTC purchase, the first since it completed its merger with Nakamoto Holdings, CEO Bailey reiterated that his team is doubling down on Bitcoin as a cornerstone asset for the future. “Our long-term mission of accumulating one million Bitcoin reflects our belief that Bitcoin will anchor the next era of global finance, and we are committed to building the most trusted and transparent vehicle to achieve that future,” he added. KindlyMD now ranks sixteenth among corporate Bitcoin holders, ahead of firms like Semler Scientific and GameStop. Shares of the company (NAKA) fell 14% at Tuesday’s open as Bitcoin slipped from above $115,800 to $113,846 amid a market-wide pullback. Share this article Read More

Sponsored Home » Sponsored » TRON to be natively integrated into MetaMask, unlocking global access to TRON assets Aug. 19, 2025 Share this article Geneva, Switzerland – August 19, 2025 – TRON DAO, the community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet through blockchain technology and decentralized applications (dApps), announced today a strategic agreement with MetaMask. MetaMask will natively integrate TRON into the world’s leading self-custodial crypto wallet developed by Consensys. This integration will enable MetaMask users to interact directly with the TRON ecosystem, which has a strong footprint across high-growth regions in Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe, through their wallet interface, delivering a seamless cross-chain user experience. It also supports TRON’s ongoing mission to make blockchain technology more accessible, user-friendly, and available to people worldwide. The collaboration reflects the aligned goals of TRON DAO and MetaMask in expanding access to Web3 and advancing user-centric innovation. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to building a more open, connected, and inclusive blockchain ecosystem across both product development and global community engagement. Community Spokesperson at the TRON DAO, Sam Elfarra, stated “MetaMask’s extensive user base and established reputation make it a vital gateway to decentralized applications. Integrating TRON into this platform not only broadens access for users worldwide but also reinforces TRON’s position as a foundational infrastructure layer for global digital finance.” “With TRON’s strong presence in Asia, this integration also helps us build bridges across regions and ecosystems, expanding access for MetaMask users around the world”, said Angel Gonzalez-Capizzi, Director of Business Development at MetaMask. “Supporting networks like TRON is part of our broader mission to make MetaMask the most versatile and user-friendly gateway to Web3. Integrating TRON helps us eliminate friction by supporting more of the networks people rely on.” In addition to the technical integration, the collaboration between TRON DAO and MetaMask also includes joint marketing efforts aimed at expanding global awareness and adoption of decentralized technologies. As adoption of Web3 accelerates across emerging and established markets, this integration reflects a shared commitment to interoperability, user empowerment, and accessibility. More details on the integration and user experience will be shared in the coming months. About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON blockchain has experienced significant growth since its MainNet launch in May 2018. TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin, exceeding $82 billion. As of August 2025, the TRON blockchain has recorded over 324 million in total user accounts, more than 11 billion in total transactions, and over $26 billion in total value locked (TVL), based on TRONSCAN. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | X | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Yeweon Park [email protected] About MetaMask MetaMask is the world’s most popular and secure self-custodial crypto wallet, giving users access to digital assets, decentralized apps, and DeFi. Website | Twitter | LinkedIn Media Contact [email protected] Share this article Read More

Business Home » Business » Trump Jr.-backed Thumzup to acquire Dogehash in all-stock deal to establish a premier Dogecoin mining platform Powered by Gloria | Edited by Vivian Nguyen Aug. 19, 2025 The all-stock deal is expected to transform Thumzup into a major crypto mining infrastructure provider. Key Takeaways Thumzup is acquiring Dogehash Technologies to create a major Dogecoin mining platform. The combined company will operate extensive Scrypt ASIC mining operations powered by renewable energy. Share this article Thumzup Media Corporation, a social media marketing and crypto asset strategy firm backed by Donald Trump Jr., will acquire Dogehash Technologies in an all-stock transaction to build a leading Dogecoin mining platform, the company announced Tuesday. Last week, Thumzup announced its plans to join the crypto mining sector after raising $50 million in a common stock offering. The proceeds will be used to expand its crypto strategies, including mining rig purchases and digital asset accumulation. CEO Robert Steele said he wanted Thumzup to move beyond social media marketing and become a serious crypto player with strong capital, mining operations, and treasury management expertise. Under the agreement, shareholders of Dogehash, which operates industrial-scale Dogecoin and Litecoin mining facilities, will receive 30.7 million shares of Thumzup stock. The combined company will be renamed “Dogehash Technologies Holdings, Inc.” and trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “XDOG.” “This accelerates our evolution from a digital‑marketing platform into a diversified digital‑asset infrastructure and treasury company,” said Steele in a Tuesday statement. “Dogehash brings world‑class mining expertise, low‑cost renewable power, and access to cutting‑edge Scrypt miners.” Dogehash operates approximately 2,500 Scrypt ASIC miners in North America, with additional units planned for deployment later this year. The company’s mining operations are based in a renewable-energy data center, with secondary satellite sites being added. Commenting on the acquisition, Dogehash CEO Parker Scott believes the company is well placed to capitalize on the expanding adoption of Dogecoin and blockchain innovation. “Unlike many companies that simply use their cash to buy cryptocurrency, we have invested in mining infrastructure,” Scott noted. “By owning and operating our own fleet of ASICs, we generate revenue directly from production, creating an ongoing, sustainable source of Dogecoin that fuels organic accumulation for years to come.” The deal between Thumzup and Dogehash is slated to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions and shareholder approval. Last month, Thumzup obtained board approval to hold up to $250 million in a variety of crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and USD Coin. Share this article Read More

2025-08-20T10:14:31.506+02:00 Wednesday, 20/08/2025 | 08:14 GMT by Damian Chmiel eToro is following other retail trading and CFD companies by offering annual interest on uninvested cash in investing accounts. The feature represents the platform’s latest move to compete with traditional banks and expand beyond its core social trading services. Yoni Assia speaking at Fintech Junction eToro announced today (Wednesday) it will pay up to 4.3% annual interest on cash sitting in customer trading accounts, the latest move by the social investing platform to keep client money working between trades. This brings the Israeli fintech in line with several other retail trading companies that introduced similar offerings this year and last, including Interactive Brokers and XTB. eToro Offers 4.3% Interest on Cash Balances The feature launches without minimum balance requirements for European users, who can earn 3.5% on balances up to $50,000 and 4.3% on amounts above that threshold. Customers in other regions face tiered requirements starting at $10,000 for 1% interest, climbing to 4.3% for balances exceeding $250,000. eToro calculates interest daily and credits accounts monthly, with no lock-up periods or penalties for withdrawals. The money remains available for immediate trading or cash-outs, addressing a common frustration among retail investors whose idle cash typically earns nothing while they research their next moves. Dan Moczulski, the managing director of eToro UK “Sometimes the most prudent decision is to wait,” said Dan Moczulski, eToro’s UK managing director. “By paying up to 4.3% per annum on uninvested US-dollar balances, we ensure clients’ capital continues to earn a competitive return while they prepare for their next trade.” The fintech claims that the rates significantly exceed what most traditional banks offer on checking accounts, though they trail some high-yield savings products. eToro applies the interest only to cash balances, not invested funds, but determines eligibility based on total account equity including investments. Platform Expansion Strategy The cash interest program joins several features eToro rolled out this year, including recurring investment plans and stock lending options. The company also went public under the ticker ETOR, launched a debit card offering cashback rewards, signaling its push to become a more comprehensive financial services provider beyond its core trading platform . eToro built its reputation on social trading, where users can copy the investment strategies of successful traders on the platform. The company now serves over 40 million users across 75 countries, positioning itself as both a brokerage and social network for investors. The interest feature, however, faces some geographical restrictions. eToro can exclude customers from the program for policy violations and reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offering. The company also warns that currency conversion costs could offset interest gains for non-dollar deposits. eToro Joins the Gang The cash interest program reflects broader competition among retail brokerages to capture and retain customer assets. As commission-free trading became standard, platforms increasingly compete on auxiliary services and features that generate revenue from customer cash and investments. One of the first to introduce interest on uninvested cash was BidX Markets at the end of 2023. The trend continued in 2024, with Webull and Poland-based XTB joining in. It accelerated in 2025, when other direct competitors of eToro followed, including Germany’s NAGA, which offers just under 2.8% APY, as well as Interactive Brokers and IG Group. Similar solutions are also available from Trading 212, Trade Republic, and Lightyear, where standard rates hover around 2% eToro’s interest payments start from the first dollar for eligible European customers, with monthly crediting by the fifth business day of each following month. Customers must manually activate the feature through their account dashboard, and eToro maintains discretion over program participation. eToro announced today (Wednesday) it will pay up to 4.3% annual interest on cash sitting in customer trading accounts, the latest move by the social investing platform to keep client money working between trades. This brings the Israeli fintech in line with several other retail trading companies that introduced similar offerings this year and last, including Interactive Brokers and XTB. eToro Offers 4.3% Interest on Cash Balances The feature launches without minimum balance requirements for European users, who can earn 3.5% on balances up to $50,000 and 4.3% on amounts above that threshold. Customers in other regions face tiered requirements starting at $10,000 for 1% interest, climbing to 4.3% for balances exceeding $250,000. eToro calculates interest daily and credits accounts monthly, with no lock-up periods or penalties for withdrawals. The money remains available for immediate trading or cash-outs, addressing a common frustration among retail investors whose idle cash typically earns nothing while they research their next moves. Dan Moczulski, the managing director of eToro UK “Sometimes the most prudent decision is to wait,” said Dan Moczulski, eToro’s UK managing director. “By paying up to 4.3% per annum on uninvested US-dollar balances, we ensure clients’ capital continues to earn a competitive return while they prepare for their next trade.” The fintech claims that the rates significantly exceed what most traditional banks offer on checking accounts, though they trail some high-yield savings products. eToro applies the interest only to cash balances, not invested funds, but determines eligibility based on total account equity including investments. Platform Expansion Strategy The cash interest program joins several features eToro rolled out this year, including recurring investment plans and stock lending options. The company also went public under the ticker ETOR, launched a debit card offering cashback rewards, signaling its push to become a more comprehensive financial services provider beyond its core trading platform . eToro built its reputation on social trading, where users can copy the investment strategies of successful traders on the platform. The company now serves over 40 million users across 75 countries, positioning itself as both a brokerage and social network for investors. The interest feature, however, faces some geographical restrictions. eToro can exclude customers from the program for policy violations and reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offering. The company also warns that currency conversion costs could offset interest gains for non-dollar deposits. eToro

July 2025 New Residential Construction What happened New residential construction activity provided mixed signals in July, with starts rising on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis, but permits and completions falling compared to last year at this time. Homebuilding has been relatively slow this year, as concerns surrounding tariffs combined with depressed buyer demand has builders taking a cautious approach. Permits, the most forward-looking metric in the dataset, were down 2.8% from June and 5.7% from July 2024. Starts rose by 5.2% month over month and 12.9% year over year–the main bright spot of July’s data release. Completions grew by 6.0% from June but trail July of last year by 13.5%. This month’s data shows a continuation of the challenges facing builders, but also a glimmer of hope that more homes may be coming onto the market soon. Where it happened The permitting slowdown affected both single-family and multifamily projects. 1-unit home permits rose slightly (+0.5%) month over month, but were down 7.9% year over year. 1-unit or more home permits dropped by 9.9% from June, and were down 1.8% from July of 2024. 2-to-4-unit permits, however, had a nice rebound, increasing by 8.0% from last month and 1.9% from last year, as builders continue to prioritize the townhome segment as an answer to the affordability challenges facing buyers. Permits fell the most in the West, by 10.1% month over month and 15.2% year over year, and they actually grew in the Midwest, by 0.5% month over month and 12.9% year over year. We have shown that the price premium on new construction is far higher in the Midwest, so builders are responding to price signals in the region.  Housing starts picked up a bit in July for single family home projects (+2.8% month over month, +7.8% year over year), but significantly for multifamily projects (11.6% month over month, +27.4% year over year). Nationwide asking rents have been falling for two full years now, but multifamily construction has been weak recently and with vacancy rates beginning to fall, builders are anticipating better returns on their large apartment complex projects. Starts were strongest in the South, picking up by 19.2% month over month and 29.5% year over year to the highest seasonally adjusted annual rate since December 2024.  Completions were actually weaker among multifamily projects (-2.8% month over month, -28.8% year over year) than single-family ones (+6.0% month over month, -13.5% year over year) in July. The disparity between starts and completions in the multifamily space is interesting, and it may have to do with the types of materials builders have been stockpiling in advance of tariffs kicking in. Finishes like appliances are often imported and subject to tariffs, while lumber and concrete are more likely to be sourced domestically or at least have been kept in inventory prior to tariffs taking hold. This could have the effect of delaying completions while starts carry on. What does this mean for homebuyers, sellers, homeowners, and the housing market All things considered, this month’s new construction data does not provide many clear signals as to where homebuilding is heading. We know that new home sales have been quite slow this summer and that tariffs are adding complication and expense to building activity, but builders do not appear to be backing down much more than they already have. Read More

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Topline Newsmax confirmed Monday it will pay $67 million to settle Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation case arguing the conservative news network knowingly made false claims about Dominion’s voting machines, the latest in a string of high-dollar settlements paid out by companies who falsely linked voting machines to fraud in the 2020 election—just as President Donald Trump continues to push the claims. News anchors work at Newsmax’s booth during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 16, 2024. AFP via Getty Images Key Facts Newsmax said it will pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems in installments over the next three years—far lower than the $1.6 billion the voting machine company sought in damages when it initially sued Newsmax in 2021. Dominion sued Newsmax alleging the right-wing news network pushed claims tying the company’s voting machines to election fraud despite knowing those claims were false, one of a number of lawsuits brought by Dominion and rival voting company Smartmatic following the 2020 election. The case had been set to go to trial, with the Delaware judge overseeing the case finding in April that Newsmax made false claims about Dominion and broadcast information about the voting company that “would likely cause reasonable viewers to think significantly less favorably about Dominion than if the viewers knew the truth.” Newsmax said Monday it still denies its reporting was defamatory, claiming its reporting was “fair” and “balanced” and the network “believed it was critically important for the American people to hear both sides of the election disputes that arose in 2020.” The network decided to settle the case because it determined the court overseeing the case “would not provide a fair trial wherein the company could present standard libel defenses to a jury,” Newsmax claimed Monday. The settlement comes after Newsmax also settled Smartmatic’s case against the news network in September 2024 for an undisclosed amount, which was later revealed to be $40 million. Big Number More than $800 million. That’s how much Dominion has won as a result of settlements in its defamation cases, including the voting company’s $787.5 million settlement with Fox News. News Peg News of the multimillion-dollar settlement came hours after President Donald Trump continued to assert claims about voting machines being tied to election fraud, despite those claims repeatedly proven as false. The president claimed on Truth Social on Monday he would “lead a movement” against mail-in ballots and some voting machines, which he claimed without evidence are “Highly ‘Inaccurate,’ Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial.” Court filings in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution against Trump for trying to overturn the 2020 election—which has now been dropped—previously suggested Trump privately does not believe the fraud claims regarding voting machines. The president allegedly “mocked” claims made by attorney Sidney Powell tying voting machines to fraud, Smith claimed, with Trump likening the fraud claims to “Star Trek.” Key Background Figures on the right including Powell and attorney Rudy Giuliani made broad claims tying voting machines to fraud in the aftermath of the 2020 election, despite those claims being false with no credible evidence to back them up. Dominion and Smartmatic then filed a series of lawsuits taking aim at companies and individuals who spread the false claims, seeking damages upward of $1 billion. In addition to Newsmax and Fox News, the voting companies also brought litigation against One America News Network, Powell, Giuliani, former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. None of the cases brought by Dominion and Smartmatic directly have yet gone to trial: Dominion’s cases against Fox and Newsmax and Smartmatic’s cases against Newsmax and OANN were all settled before trials could begin. Ex-Dominion employee Eric Coomer’s defamation case against Lindell, which focused on defamatory claims made about Coomer specifically, did go to trial earlier this summer, with a jury ruling in June that Lindell is liable for defamation and must pay Coomer $2.3 million in damages. Which Dominion And Smartmatic Cases Are Still Moving Forward? Dominion’s cases against OANN, Giuliani, Powell, Lindell and Byrne are all still moving forward, with Giuliani’s case resuming last fall after being briefly put on hold during the ex-Trump attorney’s bankruptcy proceedings. Smartmatic is also still suing Giuliani, Lindell and Powell, as well as Fox News. That dispute could go to trial next year, should a settlement not be reached first. Further Reading ForbesTrump Announces ‘Movement’ Against Mail-In Ballots ‘Scam’By Sara Dorn ForbesSmartmatic Settles With Newsmax: Here’s Where It And Dominion’s Other Lawsuits StandBy Alison Durkee Read More

Welcome to the iOS 11 saga Apple cannot (or will not?) fix. After early signs of hope, five days later a flurry of familiar negative feedback has hit Apple iOS 11.2.1… Terrible battery life is again front and centre for iPhone and iPad owners after upgrading to iOS 11.2.1 with some devices lasting just minutes in a full charge. It’s a mess and the sooner Apple gets off this iOS 11 rush-and-release strategy the better. Apple iOS 11.2.1 Gordon Kelly Here are just a few examples of the problems users are posting on the social media and Apple’s official Support Communities forum: “When the device is in idle with display off, there is no battery drain and as soon as you turn the display on and unlock the device without running any applications not even in background the battery percentage decreases 5% in less than 2 minutes this continues  till the phone is dead with 0% battery within an hour.” – source “@AppleSupport Seven Hells iOS 11.2.1 is HORRID on my battery. Worse than 11.1. WTAF? I have a 6S with a replaced battery a year ago that was going from 50% – 0% in 5min. I’m a true iKoolaid drinker – but please fix this!” – source “just upgraded my 6S Plus to iOS 11.2.1 and got the worst ever battery performance: within 30 minutes, from 70% down to 10%” – source “Ios 11.2.1 is really Bad…. It drains my battery a lot…. in minutes if I fully charge [my] phone it drops to 50%” – source “@AppleSupport, better fix the battery life in the ios 11.2.1 !! , it’s draining as I type. using an iPhone 6s Plus” – source “@AppleSupport After updating 11.2.1 battery is draining much faster. Any suggestions? iPhone 7 128 GB” – source “Dear @Apple @AppleSupport. Please stop making new iOS that drains the battery life. My iPhone 6s battery is becoming a challenge again with 11.2.1” – source “I want to downgrade my IOS from 11.2.1 to ios 10 please help @AppleSupport After ios 11 battery has started to drain at lightening speed.” – source “@AppleSupport iOS 11.2.1 has gotten so much worst with battery life on my iPhone 6S” – source “So, I updated my iPad Pro to IOS 11.2.1 and the battery drains in minutes. Anyone else? @AppleSupport” – source “This new iOS killed my battery, not only of the iPhone but all my Apple things too” – source “@AppleSupport iOS 11.2.1…damn! Terrible battery life on #iPhone6S . Any normal usage drains battery by 5-10% at a time. I’ve had to charge my phone several times today. #Help #fail #battery #Apple” – source “@AppleSupport Upgraded to 11.2.1 on my iPhone 6s and battery life is abhorrent. Today alone it’s down 30% in two hours. No issues prior to the update from 11.1.1. Please fix !” – source While battery life problems continue to be by far the number one issue with iOS 11.2.1 (and iOS 11 in general), there are multiple additional problems including repeated restarts, CarPlay dropouts, disconnected WiFi and multitasking errors. One iPhone 7 owner tweeted me a video on the latter issue showing a glitch which blacks out all the app cards in the multitasking view. He enquired: “Maybe 11.2.2 coming soon?”, one look at Apple’s rate of iOS 11 releases and I’d suggest that’s inevitable. The bigger question, however, remains battery life. Given how long these battery issues have persisted for so many, I wonder whether this is something Apple can eventually address or whether it will degenerate into the iOS 10 farce where users were simply told they needed new iPhone batteries. Some iPhone users managed to get free replacements, others did not. Either way something has to give soon… ___ Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ More On Forbes Apple iOS 11.2.1 Release: Should You Upgrade? Apple iOS 11.2 Is Causing Serious Problems Apple iOS 11 Has 25 Great Secret Features iPhone 8 Vs iPhone 7: What’s The Difference? iPhone X Vs iPhone 8 Plus: What’s The Difference? Read More

Topline President Donald Trump lamented mentions of “how bad Slavery was” at the Smithsonian and other museums, calling them “the last remaining segment of ‘woke’” as he seeks to exert more control over cultural institutions in his second term. United States President Donald Trump participates in a Multilateral Meeting with European Leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US. Picture date: Monday August 18, 2025. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images Key Facts Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday he instructed White House lawyers to review museums across the country for any “woke” material, calling the Smithsonian “OUT OF CONTROL.” “Everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been,” Trump wrote. Trump’s statement follows reports earlier this month that the administration was conducting a review of the Smithsonian Institution “to restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,” according to a letter White House officials sent to Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch, NBC News reported. Trump said Tuesday he’s instructed his attorneys to conduct “the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities,” referring to his efforts to revoke federal funding at schools that don’t adhere to his ideological directives. What Has Trump Done To Remove Material At National Parks? U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a May 20 order instructed the National Park Service to “remove any content” that does not work toward Trump’s directive to make federal sites “uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage.” The National Park Service then began posting signs in federal parks asking visitors to report information they deemed “negative about either past or living Americans,” sparking backlash from park advocacy groups that encouraged people to send in positive messages. The counter-effort appears to have been successful, according to a Forbes review that found the vast majority of 274 comments submitted to the feedback site between June 5-19 were positive. Tangent The Smithsonian revised an exhibit about Trump’s impeachments with less critical language. The new placards at the Museum of American History, placed earlier this month, add the word “alleged” in a description of the allegations against Trump in his first impeachment and scrub mention of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in the description of his second impeachment. Key Background Trump issued an executive order in March titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” that calls for the removal of “improper ideology” at the Smithsonian and National Zoo. In the subsequent letter sent earlier this month to Bunch, the White House instructed the Smithsonian—which includes 21 museums, 14 education and research centers and the National Zoo—to “begin implementing content corrections” within 120 days, warning “on-site observational visits” from White House officials would follow. Trump has also targeted the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in his war against “woke culture,” installing himself as chairman and terminating multiple Biden-era board members. Further Reading Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center In War On ‘Woke’ Programming—Here’s What To Know (Forbes) Trump’s Crackdown On ‘Negative’ History At National Monuments Faces Sabotage By Counter-Protest (Forbes) ‘Hamilton’ Cancels Kennedy Center Show Run In Protest Of Trump’s ‘Purge’ (Forbes) Read More