Revelations that hackers invaded critical Washington security infrastructure just days before President Donald J. Trump was inaugurated have raised new fears that “ransomware” attackers are able to easily penetrate important security systems. However, federal and local authorities in Washington have been quick to deny that the hacking caused any damage to important systems.

The authorities have also made clear that the cyber intrusion was quickly addressed and that neither President Trump nor any inaugural attendees were put at risk.

Ransomware Increasingly Common, Dangerous Hacking Strategy

According to The Washington Post, hackers invaded more than 70 percent of the devices that store footage from closed-circuit television cameras throughout the city. CCTV cameras are a critical part of federal and local authorities strategy to monitor potential criminal or terrorist activity in public spaces across the city. Storage of the information is critical so officers can quickly review tapes and make threat assessments.

However, on Jan. 12, Metro Police Department employees realized that four video camera sites were not operating normally. When they reported their concerns to the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Washington’s top tech official, an immediate investigation was launched and discovered that ransomware was the cause of the breakdown.

After a sweep across the entire network, the technology services staff discovered that those were not the only sites that were not working. In fact, when the review was fully completed, city officials learned that 123 of 187 network video recorders were not working.

Ransomware is an increasingly common hacking strategy that is closely related to malware. Once a system is infected with the malware, the hackers either encrypt files on the system with a password that only they know or lock out users of the system entirely. They then contact the victims and demand a ransom payment to restore access to the files or the system.

According to Washington officials, however, the city did not pay any ransom to the hackers. Instead, over a 48-hour period beginning Jan. 12 and concluding on Jan. 15, city government took each video camera site offline and restarted them with no software to remove the intrusion.

The process did result in a disruption in data collection from the video camera sites, but Interim Police Chief Peter Newsham downplayed that. In fact, Newsham told the Post that there was “no significant impact” from the hacking.

While the city may have escaped unscathed, the incident is sure to raise fears about hacking vulnerabilities if the cyber attackers were able to penetrate a police security system in a city that is heavily protected because of the presence of the President, Congress, and most of the federal government.

The hacking is believed to be a “localized” incident, according to authorities, and unrelated to hacking attacks directed by the Russian government during the 2016 presidential election campaign. In those attacks, emails belonging to the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta were illegally accessed and then dumped online, resulting in a wave of negative coverage that possibly doomed her candidacy.

Aside from ruling out foreign sources, however, Washington authorities have not identified any suspects in the ransomware incident.

Investigation Continues, Hacking Still At Fore

Public interest in a hacker sophisticated enough to bring down Washington’s CCTV system, albeit temporarily, is sure to remain high. It is expected that city officials and law enforcement will likely announce more developments in the case soon.

Be that as it may, the issue of hacking – both this incident and those during the campaign – are likely to remain at the fore. And future attacks, including ones on critical infrastructure, unfortunately, cannot be ruled out.

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For many years, Great Britain was a satisfied member of the European Union, but political unrest resulted in a national referendum to leave the EU. The end result was that 52% of Britain’s population was in favor of exiting the EU. According to EU treaty terms, the UK government will start the formal withdrawal process in March of this year and be completely withdrawn by 2019. This so-called “Brexit” will greatly disrupt international trade and economics.

Hard Brexit Strategy Has Concerning Financial Implications

As soon as the results of the Brexit referendum were revealed, people began worrying about how it would effect the British economy. Without the free travel between EU nations and the many trade deals in place, Britain could end up in a very bad situation. Attempts to alleviate these concerns suggested that the Brexit might not end up changing the nation’s relationship with the EU much, but this appears to be unlikely.

In her opening speech at a conference, British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed her plans for leaving the European Union. She stated,

We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again. And we are not leaving only to return to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

Many are referring to this stance as a “hard” Brexit that will completely sever ties with the EU instead of retaining the nations’ close relationship.

Most of these financial issues will occur in London, where citizens overwhelmingly voted to remain the EU. This city does a lot of international business, particularly in its clearing houses. Each day, almost 440 billion euros are cleared through London, but many places are talking about moving clearing operations to New York and other European areas.

Major banks will also be affected because they were only able to operate in London through an EU license. Many London banks already have contingency plans in place to move their business elsewhere. For example, the main British bank, HSBC, has already said they will move their operations to pre-existing branches in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Major financial centers will not be the only way that Brexit affects the economy. Trade between EU members is encouraged, so most nations within the EU have very favorable tariff levels. If tariffs for Britain rise sharply, it might become difficult for the country to import and export items with its closest neighbors.

A major part of the reason for leaving the EU was due to concerns of refugee immigration, but this will also result in other immigration changes that could harm the economy. Property values in London are already dropping because many people who lived in London were actually EU members without British citizenship. Deals between Britain and other EU nations, such as the Nissan plans to create a factory in Sunderland, are also starting to falter.

Due to all the financial implications of Brexit, politicians, especially those in London, are calling for a longer transition period. Financial experts believe that at least three to five years would be necessary to exit from the EU without causing financial problems.

An Uncertain Future for European Finance

Brexit can cause disruptions on a global scale by interfering with finances and trade. All of the potential issues with leaving the EU have combined to create a state of worry and uncertainty in Europe. This further contributes to lowered stock values and economic depression, so the European market may end up having difficulties even if the direct consequences of Britain leaving the EU are not as bad as predicted. Overall, this climate of skepticism surely doesn’t help any economic initiative.

 

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The New Zealand finance world was surprised to learn that one of their biggest companies will be sold to a Chinese conglomerate. The Chinese HNA Group has finalized a deal with ANZ New Zealand to buy their subsidiary, UDC Finance Limited. UDC Finance was sold for a price of $660 million, and it will continue to be independently operated. Both HNA and ANZ express enjoyment about the results of the financial deal.

HNA Group From China Buys UDC Finance for $660 Million

UDC Finance Limited is one of the biggest finance companies in the world, and they previously functioned as an independently operated subsidiary of the ANZ Bank New Zealand. The business has been very popular among New Zealanders since it first started in 1938. Though UDC primarily offers asset-backed financing, they also provide investment opportunities for consumers.

HNA Group is a Chinese conglomerate that owns many aviation, finance, real estate, and tourism companies, but it has not managed to acquire any New Zealand based companies until now. The sale of UDC Finance may mark the beginning of a greater relationship between New Zealand and Chinese finance companies.

Though HNA started out as a small airline in China, wise choices allowed them to end up owning several different companies. HNA has previously been involved with some smaller finance companies, but this sale is a huge opportunity for them. It will allow HNA to greatly expand its market, particularly in the New Zealand Region.

ANZ had been looking to sell UDC Finance for roughly a year, but they were having trouble because UDC’s credit rating was downgraded to an AA- due to the potential change in ownership. Rumored buyers included Heartland Bank and many other finance and business groups. Eventually HNA was able to out-negotiate other possible buyers.

The final price of the sale will be $660 million, and ANZ says that this will provide them with a net gain of $100 million. Since UDC’s total net assets are just $435 million, the price to book ratio will be an impressive 1.6 times. It seems that HNA was willing to pay more because it wanted to get a start in the New Zealand market, and HNA chief executive Adam Tan is enthusiastic about the “significant growth opportunities in Australasia and supports HNA Group’s disciplined approach to our core tourism, logistics and financial services businesses.”

Financial experts say that this was a very wise move for ANZ because it will now have a stronger capital position compared to rivals. Most of ANZ’s core markets rely on retail and commercial banking, so the asset financing of UDC was slightly irrelevant to the majority of ANZ’s financial goals.

Some UDC Finance customers are slightly concerned by the Chinese takeover, but the CEO of ANZ New Zealand is confident that the transition will go smoothly. CEO David Hisco says,

HNA is well placed to invest in specialist asset finance products and systems which will help UDC expand further in the future.

The sale may represent a change, but it is not likely to disrupt daily proceedings.

The Results of This Financial Deal

The sale of UDC Finance is still undergoing some approvals, so it will not be completed until late 2017. The HNA Group has plans to keep the independent operating structure and retain all current staff and customers. People who use UDC Finance can most likely expect a calm transition in ownership that will not affect them. The deal also gives HNA Group a valuable foothold in the finance industry while providing ANZ with some much-needed capital.

Image by 드림포유, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license.

When it started releasing original content, Netflix proved that people would be willing to pay for a service that offers its own television shows and films. Many other streaming services have also been moving away from showing regular content released in theaters or televisions. Though it costs more to make it, unique media can encourage people to use the streaming service. New information reveals that Apple is the latest company to start following this trend.

Apple Hopes to Increase Profit With Original Media Content

Apple got its start as a computer designer, but they now have plans to further expand their technology related products and services. The giant tech company has revealed that it has plans to create original movies and television shows that will be streamed to paying viewers. This new business strategy is intended to make more profit for Apple and increase the amount of subscribers to their streaming service.

Some approve of this project because it is a change from Apple’s most recent decisions that seemed to stagnate after the death of former CEO Steve Jobs. Though it might be a new idea for Apple, it is also apparent that the company has gotten the concept from other popular streaming services. Now that Netflix and Amazon have proved that people are willing to pay extra for original, creative media, Apple wants to also get into this new potential market.

This new undertaking is currently being led by Jimmy Iovine, the chief of the Apple Music division. Though the name implies that this service is just for streaming music, Iovine hopes to expand it to cover other types of media. Iovine told The Hollywood Reporter,

At Apple Music, what we’re trying to create is an entire cultural, pop cultural experience, and that happens to include audio and video… We’re going to do whatever hits popular culture smack on the nose. We’re going to try.

Currently the music division is a $10 a month streaming service that does not contain many videos. In the past, they have shown videos of Taylor Swift concerts and documentaries about the music industry. It seems that these music-themed videos were just the first test towards unrolling a lot of content through their streaming services.

One of the first projects will most likely be a top-secret show, which is named “Vital Signs,” that Dr. Dre has been producing for them. Not much is known about this, but it is apparently going to be a dark drama with six episodes. Apple has hinted at plans to release the entire season at one time, just like Netflix does.

The new move towards original content could help the company become more competitive in the online streaming market. They currently only have half the Apple Music subscribers that Spotify does, and the amount of people who rent their streaming movies and television shows does not even begin to compare to Netflix’s millions of subscribers. Offering unique, critically acclaimed videos could encourage more people to try out the service, and users may stick around even after viewing all the original content.

When Will Apple Users Get This Unique Content?

So far, Apple has not provided a lot of information on their exact timeline. Nothing is actually in production yet, so it is unlikely that anything will be released soon. However, Wall Street Journal reports that Apple may begin offering at least some original content by the end of 2017. These original television shows would be aired on the Apple Music streaming service which may end up being renamed to something more appropriate.

 

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People are more likely to be successful at managing their expenses and saving for retirement if they can use the services of a good financial advisor. Financial advisors have many roles, ranging from investing to taxes. Traditionally, many people either planned their finances themselves or only hired an investor who would work on commission, but new surveys show that many young Americans value financial advice enough to actually pay for it.

Millennials Express Growing Interest in Paid Financial Advisors

For a long time, Americans had faith in stock market investors, financial advisors, and other economic experts. However, the stock market crash of the 80s spread a feeling of distrust that is only starting to go away now. Many expressed concerns that financial advisors would not look out for the best interests of their clients, and boomers tended to try to manage their own investments.

The current economic market shows a shift towards paying for financial advice among younger Americans. A survey by the asset management research firm, Cerulli Associates, showed that younger people are more willing to hire financial advisors than any other age group. The survey revealed that almost four out of five investors between the ages of 30 and 39 expressed a desire to pay for financial advisors.

Investors under the age of 30 also had a high percentage of investors who either already used or planned to use paid financial advisors. By way of contrast, only 54 percent of investors over the age of 40 will hire a financial advisor even though they tend to be the demographic that can most easily afford financial help. Older investors seem to be more cautious in such matters, because they remember more about previous investment crises caused by unethical advisors.

In the past, many people would only work with an investor who had a commission because they thought that a commission based payment was the only way to protect their investments. However, many big brokerages are starting to shift to a fee-only payment scheme because the public is now more willing to actually pay their advisors. For example, Merrill Lynch announced their elimination of commission based advisors with the headline, “we’re committed to your best interest, not the status quo.”

This seems to follow a general trend among younger Americans who are willing to admit when they do not know how to do something. Instead of following a do-it-yourself ethic that could lead to financial ruin, millennials seem inclined to trust the experts. The millennial tendency to trust intellectuals instead of attempting to bumble through a complicated field on their own may lead to a growing market for economic advisors.

The increase in young Americans who would like to pay a financial advisor for help also seems to indicate a growing trust in the economic industry. Strong government regulations like the fiduciary rule are being implemented, and these help to ensure that financial advisers do not have conflicts of interest that would put investors at risk. The political battle to pass the fiduciary rule raised awareness about how the government could protect people who pay for financial advice.

The Future of Financial Advice

A lot of this willingness to pay financial advisors seems to hinge on the new regulations that were supposed to be finalized in April. However, Republican legislatures are still attempting to block the fiduciary rule with a lengthy delaying movement. Though young millennials still seem to be generally more interested in paying for investment advice, some may back out if the government does not seem likely to protect their investments any more.

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As one of the world’s largest multinational tech company, Google brings in around $75 billion in revenue every year. Even so, it is constantly on the lookout for new products and services that it can buy from other companies in a bid to better its own. Last year, Google took advantage of the technology that was invented and frequently used by one of the largest social networking companies. It will now use that program to its own advantage.

Google’s Purchase of Twitter’s Fabric

Twitter has invented an developer platform called Fabric that became immensely popular with companies throughout the world. Before Google purchased it, thousands of businesses used it to create and launch their mobile apps that helped them expand businesses’ growth and visibility on new markets.

Fabric piqued the curiosity of Google so much that the tech giant eventually purchased it from Twitter for an undisclosed amount of money. The purchase gave Google access to the platform and all of the technology that it entailed. However, it did not include a personnel transfer. Twitter will keep its own leaders with the exception of Rich Paret who will join Google to take over Fabric.

What does this mean for Google?

As the world’s most frequently used search engine, Google will presumably turn Fabric into its premier entity for app creation. Google might also combine Fabric with its other desktop and mobile website building resources like Keywords. App developers now have a one-shop stop for all of their website creation needs without having to waste their time, energy, and money on separate resources. Moreover, Google, will certainly boost its already impressive annual revenue and could soon pull rank with top tech companies like Apple and Samsung. Just as it acquired Fabric from Twitter, the web search giant might also be on the next best tech purchase from other social media companies.

The Rise of New Social Media in 2017

While Twitter and Facebook continue to reign the world of social networking, their days might be numbered with the rise of social media platforms like Snapchat. In fact, many of the youngest social media users, dubbed Generation Z, sense websites such as Twitter and Facebook are outdatedas tey are accessed by older people. They do not want to share Internet space with their parents – the Gen X-ers – and grandparents – the Baby Boomers. As a result, Snapchat has become increasingly popular with the Gen Z audience primarily because their parents, grandparents, and even some Millennials have yet to catch onto it.

Snapchat is so successful that it has recently filed for its initial public offering (IPO). It is now estimated to go public in March. If it manages to secure its own IPO, it could become a breakout tech company like Google proved to be in 2005 when it went public. Also, if it continues to remain the favorite of the newest generation of social media users while securing a constant growth, it could soon dethrone longstanding favorites like Twitter and Facebook. Both of these social media companies could share the fate of MySpace if Snapchat overtakes them.

The rise of Snapchat is one tech story to follow closely in 2017. The Venice, Calif-based company might soon morph into one of the largest multinational tech companies in the world, even taking a place alongside giants like Google.  On the other hand, experts think Google will retain its position as one of the most powerful tech companies in the world thanks in part to its purchase of Twitter’s Fabric.
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The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 35,000 people are infected with Lyme disease in the U.S. each month. Most infections occur during the summer and fall seasons when deer ticks are most active. However, you can develop the Lyme disease year-round, especially if you venture into wooded, grassy, or bush-filled areas. The Atlanta-based agency reported the ticks that cause Lyme disease were spotted in nine national parks. So, federal park officials recently instructed the public on how to protect themselves against the Lyme disease.

The Prevalence of Deer Ticks in America’s National Parks

Scientists have pinpointed mainly deer ticks, also called backlegged ticks, cause the infection. When a deer tick latches onto your skin and bites you, it can make you sick. More than a decade ago, Lyme disease was thought to be a minor infection that would resolve itself, just like a common cold. However, the newest studies reveal the true danger that comes with a Lyme infection. Because it can make you severely ill, these ticks should be avoided at all costs.

Avoiding Lyme disease centers on precautionary measure before you visit a national park or even venture outdoors into wooded, grassy, or brush-filled areas. Wildlife experts recommend using an insect repellent that is rich in DEET, which deters ticks from latching onto human hosts. You also should wear long pants and long sleeves so that most of your skin is covered. Likewise, you should wear long socks under your pants and high-top boots to protect your ankles and lower calves.

Additionally, you should check your pets and outdoor gear for ticks before putting them in your car. Check your vehicle once you get home for ticks. Take a shower within the first two hours after arriving home, and dry your clothing on high heat to kill deer ticks that might have latched onto your apparel.

The Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Along with taking measures to protect yourself from deer ticks and Lyme disease, you should also know the symptoms of the illness so that you can seek immediate medical help if needed. The most common symptom of Lyme disease is fever accompanied by muscle aches, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. These signs alone should signal that you may have Lyme disease and need to see your doctor immediately.

You may also develop symptoms such as stiffness in your neck, a rash that covers most of your body, joint pain and swelling, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Further, you may develop short term memory loss, tingling in your arms and legs, palsy in your face, and inflammation in your spinal cord. If you suffer any of these symptoms, particularly if you notice a large, reddened insect bite with a bulls eye in the middle, you should go to your nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment.

Fortunately, Lyme disease is highly treatable and responds well to oral and IV antibiotics. You may also need to take time off work or school to recover from the neurological side effects of the illness. It may take a few weeks to a few months for the disease to go away completely.

National parks are a magnet to summertime travelers and camping enthusiasts. However, trees and tall grass hide more than the elks and bears. They are also home for deer ticks that carry Lyme disease. Learn how to prevent this illness now before you visit any of the beautiful yet wild American national parks.
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Over the last two decades, the U.S. has seen a significant decline in the use of tobacco products. Fewer people are smoking cigars and cigarettes. Likewise, fewer people are staying away from products like chewing tobacco and snuff. Despite the massive push to stop tobacco use in the U.S., use of these products continues to surge elsewhere. Tobacco companies in the U.S. are now looking overseas for partners and growth opportunities that are not available on the American market.

British American Tobacco’s Investment in Reynolds America

The British American Tobacco company recently announced that it plans to buy stakes in Reynolds America. It already has some stakes in the company. However, it wants to buy stakes that it currently does not own. The price that British American Tobacco is willing to pay tops $49 billion. This amount proves to be staggering to many who thought the American tobacco industry was by and large dead in the water.

The deal also expands the reach of well-known tobacco products Camel, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, and Newport to new locales around the world. Previously, these products were largely restricted to the American market. The sales of all of these cigarette brands saw a huge decline as public awareness campaigns compelled people to stop smoking.

However, with British American Tobacco buying stakes in American Reynolds to the tune of more than $59 per share, these cigarettes are expected to become more popular other places around the world such as Africa, India, and Asia. They offer the appeal of a Western product as well as a level of quality not seen in many tobacco products made in other countries. The $49 billion deal could help both companies rake in dividends that surpass the cost of British American Tobacco’s initial investment. The deal was brokered by powerhouse entities like Deutsche Bank, USB, and Goldman Sachs. If approved, the partnership could create a new tobacco empire that has the potential to expand into and overtake smaller tobacco companies throughout the world.

Tobacco Industry’s Potential in Africa

Since it was largely shut out of the American and British markets, Big Tobacco has had to look elsewhere for its livelihood. Out of all of the places where tobacco use is still largely accepted, Africa has proven to be the richest market for this industry, primarily because African countries enact few prohibitions against the advertising and sale of cigarettes, cigars, and other similar products.

With few restrictions, Big Tobacco companies like American Reynolds and British American Tobacco have free rein to sell their products as they wish. In the U.S. and other Western countries, companies generally must sell individual packs that contain at least 20 cigarettes. In Africa, however, it is perfectly legal to sell individual cigarettes for just a few cents apiece. The low price and option to just buy one or two cigarettes at a time appeals to people who subsist on a few dollars a day.

Likewise, some African countries like South Africa prohibit the advertising of cigarettes and cigars on TV and radio. Because a fair portion of the population in some parts of Africa have limited access to such advertisements, the warnings to avoid tobacco have yet to concern many people in that part of the world.

Finally, it is legal for the youngest of children to smoke. Children as young as 12 or 13 buy cigarettes and smoke on a daily basis, creating a market that is ripe for Big Tobacco entities like American Reynolds. American Reynolds can expect to do well and survive into the future thanks to a new $49 billion deal with British American Tobacco that could expand its growth and reach.
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Many have voiced concerns over how President-elect Donald Trump will handle conflicts of interest between his business dealings and his role as president. While Trump is exempt from conflict of interest laws, he wants to leave no doubt in anybody’s mind about his complete commitment to the government’s business. Recently, he has appointed his sons and a long-time friend to run his company. Many wonder what that means to Trump’s Organization in Southeast Asia.

What Will a Trump Presidency Mean to his Organization in Southeast Asia?

While President-elect Trump says he will pass the management to a committee formed to run the company, many wonder whether he would let his business dealings affect his judgement as president.

For example, many have criticized Trump for not taking a stronger role against Philippine’s President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Human rights advocates say that his bloody anti-drug campaign killed over 6,000 people since he came to power. Trump has received over $5 million to put his name on a $150 million project in Manila.

Analyst Robert Manning from the Washington D.C.-based think tank Atlantic Council and former employee of the National Intelligence Council which are the publishers of the prestigious Global Report said:

“Whether his business interests are a factor in that, I don’t know how you ascertain that. I think it would certainly give [Trump] a motivation.”

In order to make matters even more complicated, Duterte has named Jose E. B. Antonio as his special envoy to Washington D.C. Antonio is a former close associate and business partner of Trump, who has been instrumental in the Manila resort project.

Philippines is not the only place that the President-elect may have difficulties separating his work as president from his personal business dealings despite taking a hands off approach. In Indonesia, the billionaire-turned-politician has recently completed two resort projects. One of the men that was instrumental during the project was Setya Novanto who served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Indonesia. While they were working together, Trump praised Novanto as a great man. Later, Indonesian officials forced Novanto to leave office on corruption charges.

Many see Trump’s creation of a special committee to run his business as an important first step, but they suggest that it does not address all the problems. First, the new Trump Organization committee will consist of two of the President-elect’s sons and a long-time associate. They have too promised to appoint an ethics person. Many suggest that the two men can easily talk to President Trump without anyone knowing.

Secondly, President-elect Trump already has information on his business dealings in Southeast Asia. This simple fact implies that he does not need anyone to tell him what he already knows. Some even go so far as to suggest that the President-elect’s business friendships may pose a threat to the United States’ security.

Trump has said that the money from any foreign official that chooses to stay in his Washington D.C. hotel will be donated to the U.S. government. Some suggest that this simply does not go far enough to separate the President-elect’s business empire from government issues. Interested parties are likely to see lawyers question Trump’s motives throughout his presidency.

Conclusion

For the first time in modern history, the President-elect of the United States is a businessman instead of a person from within the political system. This unique position raises many ethical problems as it can be seen in Southeast Asia. While Trump has created a trust to operate his businesses over the next 4 years, many say that this does not go far enough. Many questions will continue to be raised throughout his presidency.
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Casual observers might never expect from President-elect Donald Trump and businessman Elon Musk to be on the same side of many issues. Elon Musk is the CEO of auto maker Tesla Motors and aerospace giant SpaceX and chairman of solar energy magnate SolarCity. While Trump thinks that climate change is a cocktail of illogical conclusions, Musk has built his career around similar concepts. The two men have much in common.

What Do President-elect Trump and Elon Musk Have in Common?

These two men may seem to be polar opposites except for their vast wealth. According to Forbes Magazine, Musk is the 83rd wealthiest man alive while Donald Trump is the 111th wealthiest person in the United States. The magazine also ranks Trump as the second most powerful person on Earth while they rank Musk the 27th most powerful.

Both men have placed a strong emphasis on creating or returning manufacturing jobs to the United States. Before he even took office, President-elect Trump has been credited with preventing air-conditioning and heating company Carrier from moving jobs overseas. He is also credited with encouraging car manufacturers to not move their production to Mexico.

“ To the extent that the creation of high-tech manufacturing jobs in the United States is a priority of the incoming administration, we believe Mr. Musk might have some interests that could be very much in alignment with those of President-elect Trump,”

said investment analyst Adam Jones from the financial advising company Morgan Stanley.

Tesla Motors currently produces the most American-made electric cars. The Model S currently leads Musk’s offerings, but look for that to be overtaken by Model 3 within a year. Donald Trump is an outspoken proponent of making America great again and experts say Tesla cars are the greatest electric automobiles made today.

Musk has started his career with technology ventures. Shortly after his election, President-elect Trump surprised his opponents by hosting a meeting of tech giants. He named IBM’s CEO Ginny Rometty to his transition advisory team and plans to make her join his exclusive business advisory team once he gets into office. Despite Musk’s outspoken opposition to Trump during the election, the president-elect appointed him to his Strategic and Policy Forum team to help him draft his policies once he is sworn in.

President-elect Trump has sent Vice President-elect Mike Pence to a revived National Space Council. This clearly signals the president’s interest in moving forward America’s extraterrestrial agenda. Trump suggested he is very interested in partnerships between the private and public sectors in the space industry. Musk’s SpaceX may greatly benefit from these partnerships.

While many assume that Tesla boss and President-elect Trump may not agree on solar industry, insiders within the industry say that they believe they can change Trump’s mind. They think that they can show the President-elect how solar energy can boost national security, which has been one of Trump’s primary concerns coming into office. The industry also claims they can prove they can create many high-paying jobs, which is another of the President-elect’s main goals.

Both men have a history of working hard to make things happen. President-elect Trump took a small investment from his father and turned it into a megacorporation. Musk was born in South Africa. He took the risk of starting his own company selling it for lots of money in his twenties.

Conclusion

Many would expect business magnate Elon Musk and President-elect Trump to not share many interests. Upon further examination, the two actually share a lot including a common background of starting out small and making it big. Both are interested in building great American companies and providing high-paying jobs. Both share an interest in making America’s space program great.
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