Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is under mounting pressure as he navigates contentious trade talks with the United States amid fresh threats from President Donald Trump to impose a 35% tariff on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46158982/trumps-canada-trade-flip-oil-market-shock-and-nvidias-rise-to-the-top-this-week-in-economy" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian imports starting August 1.</a>



Trump&#8217;s latest warning arrives while both nations are in the midst of hammering out a broader trade agreement—talks that have grown increasingly tense following several concessions from Ottawa.



These include a recent rollback of a proposed Digital Services Tax targeting tech giants, after Washington vowed to end trade talks unless the plan was scrapped, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg81518yyyo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>BBC News.



Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46382047/trump-targets-mexico-eu-with-30-tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs</a>



Carney&#8217;s approach, once symbolized by a combative &#8220;elbows up&#8221; hockey metaphor, is now being questioned across the political spectrum.



Analysts and commentators have described his trade posture as inconsistent, with Canadian columnist Robyn Urback likening it to a &#8220;chicken dance.&#8221; Critics argue that caving on the digital tax and not responding to recent tariff escalations on steel and aluminum undermines his promise of standing firm against U.S. pressure.



While Carney&#8217;s government continues to enjoy strong domestic support in polls, some political scientists say the prime minister&#8217;s broader strategy—pursuing an expansive trade and security deal—lacks coherence.



Blayne Haggart, a professor at Brock University, said Canada&#8217;s recent reversals have accomplished &#8220;less than nothing.&#8221;



Others, like former government adviser Roland Paris, argue it&#8217;s too soon to judge and that the final agreement will determine whether Carney capitulated or played a smart long game.



Trump&#8217;s tariff warning letter also revived his criticism of Canadian drug policy, accusing Ottawa of not doing enough to curb fentanyl flow across the border.



Despite the friction, Carney has avoided retaliatory action and reiterated Canada&#8217;s commitment to protecting its workers and industries.



The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement remains intact for now, exempting many Canadian goods from the threatened 35% tariff.



Canadian politicians across party lines have presented a united front. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, pledged full support to secure a strong deal, while British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized national unity.



Experts, including Carleton University&#8217;s Fen Hampson, caution against judging the talks prematurely, pointing out that American businesses would also suffer from the tariffs and that Carney has made moves to diversify trade, including with the EU.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46381494/mm-skittles-maker-rejects-rfk-jr-s-call-to-drop-synthetic-dyes-people-can-buy-alcohol-and-cigarettesbut-colored-candy-is-an-issue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M&amp;M, Skittles Maker Rejects RFK Jr.'s Call To Drop Synthetic Dyes — ‘People Can Buy Alcohol And Cigarettes…But Colored Candy Is An Issue?'</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock/Harrison Ha

Equities

General

Carney Faces Cross-Border Pressure Amid High-Stakes US Trade Talks

With Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) trading in price discovery and institutional capital pouring into crypto markets, the long-anticipated "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/07/46267392/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-gain-as-trump-tariffs-deadline-delayed-massive-altcoin-season-in-the-works-says-this-analyst">altseason</a>" may finally be underway.



But industry insiders say the biggest gains may not come from Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) or XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>): instead, it's lesser-known tokens like Alpaca Network's PACA or Telegram-linked (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TON</a>) that could emerge as breakout performers.



"We&#8217;re in the early stages of what will likely be one of the most historic altseasons we've ever seen," said Michael Gord, CEO of GDA Capital. "Liquidity is re-entering the system… capital is already rotating into ETH and high-beta Layer 1s."



Among those Layer 1s, Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) is gaining momentum as both experts highlighted it as the fastest horse for the next six months. 



"Solana is moving with the agility of a Web2 product and the scalability of a next-gen chain," Gord noted, citing its rapid ecosystem growth across NFTs, DeFi, and gaming.



Thomas Kralow, chairman of Evedex, echoed that view, adding, "If meme coins and NFT volume resurge, SOL could outpace ETH short-term… its ecosystem's retail-driven momentum often outperforms in altseasons."



Still, the real opportunities may lie in less obvious names.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46368946/bitcoin-hits-dollar-all-time-high-but-trails-in-euro-swiss-franc-dollar-whats-driving-the-divergence">Bitcoin Hits Dollar All-Time High, But Trails In Euro, Swiss Franc: Dollar What&#8217;s Driving The Divergence?</a>



Gord named Alpaca Network's PACA as one of the most promising plays in the decentralized AI infrastructure space.



"Through the launch of Modelz.ai, they're tokenizing AI models themselves… transforming AI into a liquid, composable asset class," he said.



He also pointed to Flashy Finance, which combines gaming, social, and DeFi functions, a new category he calls CultureFi. 



"The next wave is about culture as capital," Gord emphasized.



Meanwhile, Kralow suggested The Open Network, backed by Telegram's massive user base, could quietly climb the ranks. 



"It's gaining traction in payments and bots… developer activity is rising," he said. He also mentioned high-performance chains like SEI (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SEI</a>) and SUI (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SUI</a>), which are building strong DeFi and NFT foundations.



Not everyone agrees on the winners, but there's more consensus on who could disappoint.



"ETH might underwhelm relative to expectations," said Gord, pointing to scalability bottlenecks and rising competition. Kralow added that XRP could struggle if legal clarity fails to translate into ecosystem growth.



As for what defines this altseason? Gord said: "This bull run and altseason is going to be the cultural onboarding of Web3 into the global financial narrative."



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46364023/tom-lee-ethereum-not-solana-is-the-preferred-choice-for-jp-morgan-robinhood-circle-to-build-on">Tom Lee: Ethereum, Not Solana, Is The &#8216;Preferred Choice&#8217; For JP Morgan, Robinhood, Circle To Build On</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

News

$BTC

$ETH

$SEI

$SOL

$SUI

$TON

$XRP

Ethereum? XRP? Solana? No, You'll Find Exponential Altseason Returns In Lesser-Known Coins, Experts Say

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



U.S. markets closed this week at record highs, driven by Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) surpassing a $4 trillion market cap — the first ever, marking a historic milestone — amid easing global tensions and broad AI enthusiasm. President Donald Trump's trade rhetoric intensified, with new 50% tariffs planned on copper and Brazilian goods, but markets remained resilient, betting on eventual policy moderation.



Key sectors like airlines and materials also saw gains, while Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) remained under pressure due to Elon Musk's political activities. Gold and the dollar steadied alongside Treasury yields.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.







The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46321541/nvidia-hits-4-trillion-market-cap-stock-surges-to-all-time-high">"Nvidia hits $4 trillion market cap, stock surges to all‑time high"</a>, by Henry Khederian, reports that Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) reached a record market valuation above $4 trillion — becoming the first U.S. company to do so — on strong investor momentum, driven by its dominant position in AI chipmaking.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46356963/drone-stocks-fly-as-defense-secretary-fast-tracks-drone-production-deployment">"Drone stocks fly as Defense Secretary fast-tracks drone production, deployment"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVAV#NASDAQ">AVAV</a>), Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>), Red Cat Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</a>), Unusual Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMAC#NASDAQ">UMAC</a>), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAVS#NASDAQ">UAVS</a>), and Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONDS#NASDAQ">ONDS</a>) all rallied after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked procurement restrictions and empowered frontline units to fast‑track U.S.-made drone production and deployment.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46324594/used%E2%80%91car-boom-prices-supercharging-carvana-autonation-stocks">"Used‑car boom prices supercharging Carvana, AutoNation stocks"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that soaring used‑car prices are lifting Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) and AutoNation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AN#NYSE">AN</a>), as both retailers benefit from record-high margins and strong consumer demand in the resale vehicle market.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46328802/dell-hpe-named-top-ai-server-plays-as-analyst-cites-14b-backlog">Dell, HPE Named Top AI Server Plays As Analyst Cites $14 Billion Backlog</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46299701/ge-aerospace-climbs-46-in-2025-as-investors-eye-tariff-strategy-earnings">GE Aerospace Climbs 46% In 2025 As Investors Eye Tariff Strategy, Earnings</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46353542/palantir-next-oracle-trump-backed-ai-surge">Palantir Is The ‘Next Oracle' On Trump-Backed AI Surge: Analyst</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/downgrades/25/07/46308347/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-too-much-for-tesla-stock-direct-hit-to-profitability">"Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' too much for Tesla stock? Direct hit to profitability"</a>, by Shanthi Rexaline, reports that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was downgraded by William Blair analyst Jed Dorsheimer, who warned Trump's new bill eliminates $7,500 EV tax credits and corporate average fuel economy fines — putting Tesla's $2.8 billion in annual regulatory credit revenue, 16% of gross profit, at risk.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46280387/unitedhealth-centene-hit-hard-by-guidance-shock-trumps-medicaid-push">"UnitedHealth, Centene hit hard by guidance shock, Trump's Medicaid push"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) saw its market cap plunge nearly 41% in Q2 and Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) shares crashed over 40% after Centene withdrew its 2025 guidance — moves driven by unexpectedly high medical costs and President Donald Trump's new legislation targeting Medicaid funding that threatens insurers' risk pools and reimbursement structures.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46348352/gorilla-technology-shares-plunge-after-nvidia-fueled-rally-reverses">"Gorilla Technology shares plunge after Nvidia‑fueled rally reverses"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that Gorilla Technology Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GRRR) stock tumbled after a brief surge drove by its inclusion as an NVIDIA Solutions Partner on Nvidia's website—without any formal announcement—reversing the prior day's strong rally.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46352461/core-scientific-downgraded-over-concerns-on-acquisition-deal">Core Scientific Downgraded Over Concerns On Acquisition Deal</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46374969/jpmorgan-just-hit-delete-on-tesla-and-rivian">JPMorgan Just Hit ‘Delete' On Tesla And Rivian</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46326465/unitedhealth-slammed-with-another-lawsuit-over-119-billion-stock-plunge">UnitedHealth Slammed With Another Lawsuit Over $119 Billion Stock Plunge</a>







Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Markets

AVAV

CORZ

CVNA

DELL

GRRR

KTOS

NVDA

ONDS

PLTR

RCAT

RIVN

TSLA

UAVS

UMAC

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Tesla, Carvana — And Trump Amps Up Tariff Talk

Each week, Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.



Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.



Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: June's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do CoreWeave, Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>



Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending July 11:



Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>): The owner of Quickbooks and TurboTax finds its way back on the Stock Whisper Index for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69">second straight month</a>. Investors are showing strong interest in the company once again with shares near all-time highs. One reason for the increased attention is optimism from analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTU/analyst-ratings">covering the stock</a>. BMO maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $820 to $870 and Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $785 to $900. Another reason could be the passing of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The bill will add new tax cuts and changes and also eliminates some free IRS filing tools. These could see customers flocking to TurboTax to make sure they get all the latest tax tips and breaks come tax filing time next year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="494" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982515" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>): The gaming company makes the Stock Whisper Index for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70">second straight month</a> with shares nearing all-time highs that were last hit back in late 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is seeing strong usage and monetization from hit minigame "Grow a Garden," which Roblox users can play. Analysts are also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RBLX/analyst-ratings">raising price targets</a> aggressively with BTIG taking the target from $73 to $124 and Citigroup taking the price target from $100 to $123. The company is set to report second-quarter financial results on July 31 and could share updates on the recent success and strong usage. Roblox has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in seven straight quarters and for revenue in three of the last four quarters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1005" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982516" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498.png 1005w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1005px) 100vw, 1005px" /></a></figure>



AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>): The drugmaker saw strong interest from readers during the week with minimal news. Benzinga reported that the company is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/07/46249640/astrazeneca-in-15b-talks-for-drug-that-could-upend-lung-cancer-treatment"> in reported talks </a>with Summit Therapeutics about a potential partnership for lung cancer drug called ivonescimab. The deal could be worth up to $15 billion and would give AstraZeneca the rights to the drug. Bloomberg said other drug companies are in talks with Summit. Ivonescimab has show lower risks of disease progression or death when compared to Merck's Keytruda. The increased interest in AstraZeneca comes ahead of second-quarter financial results set for July 29. The company has missed analyst estimates for earnings per share in five of the last six quarters, while beating analyst estimates for revenue in four of the last five quarters. Investors could be anticipating strong financial results and/or be excited in a potential partnership with Summit.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982517" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>



NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>): Readers showed strong interest in the energy company during the week. The company is one of many in the clean energy sector that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46173316/trumps-big-bill-rocks-clean-energy-stocks-except-rooftop-solar">could see pressure</a> from the "Big Beautiful Bill" that rolls back some incentives for the sector. NextEra could also stand out with their presence in the nuclear energy sector which is getting a renewed push going forward. Investors could also be excited ahead of second-quarter financial results set for July 23. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters. The company has missed analyst estimates for revenue in five straight quarters. Investors will be hoping for a better quarter and a double beat this time around as the future remains less certain with the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="507" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982518" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500-768x391.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>): The software solutions company is seeing strong interest from readers as the company makes progress with AI solutions for businesses. Investors could be gearing up for the company's second-quarter financial results set for July 23. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters, with the lone non-beat a quarter where expectations were met. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in eight of the last 10 quarters. Another strong quarter could see investors get more excited for the stock, with shares down 11% year-to-date despite the quarterly beats.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982519" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45827517/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 6</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 13</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 20</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 27</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46264224/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-72">July 4</a></li>
</ul>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46236448/exclusive-2025s-first-half-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-nvidia-tesla-apple-stock-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: 2025's First Half Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Nvidia, Tesla, Apple Stock Rank?</a></li>
</ul>

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Wall Street posted fresh all-time highs this week, fueled by a relentless rally in Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), which became the first company in history to surpass a $4 trillion market capitalization, igniting optimism across the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech"> tech and AI sectors.</a>



The chipmaker extended its winning streak to a seventh straight week — and the 11th in the last 12 — nearly doubling its share price from early April lows in just over three months.



This surge pushed the combined market value of the so-called Magnificent Seven — Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) — to a staggering $18.3 trillion.



Chart Of The Week: Nvidia Has Now Rallied 90% Since April&#8217;s Tariff Turmoil



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="525" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-1024x525.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982442" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-1024x525.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-300x154.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-768x394.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-1536x788.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-2048x1050.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



President Donald Trump reignited trade war concerns, announcing a 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting Aug. 1. He also proposed blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most other U.S. trading partners. Additionally, the administration unveiled 50% duties on copper and Brazilian goods, all set to kick in on the same day.



Trump also escalated his feud with the Federal Reserve. On Wednesday, he called for an aggressive three-percentage-point rate cut, arguing that each point costs the U.S. $360 billion annually in debt service.



The Fed remains cautious. Minutes from the June 17–18 FOMC meeting revealed that most officials expect to cut rates later this year. Still, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee pushed back, saying debt costs shouldn&#8217;t drive monetary policy. He reiterated the central bank's dual mandate: price stability and full employment.



Airline stocks outperformed this week. Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) surged 12% on Thursday after beating earnings expectations and reaffirming its full-year profit forecast. Optimism spilled over to United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>), Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) and American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), as investors bet on a strong summer quarter for the travel sector.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) also broke records, soaring past $118,000. The iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>) — the world's largest crypto-related exchange-traded fund — posted inflows in 12 of the past 13 weeks, reflecting surging institutional interest in the top cryptocurrency.



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Wall Street Hits Record Highs As Nvidia Tops $4 Trillion, Trump Ramps Up Trade Tensions: This Week In Markets

In the face of an ongoing power struggle within the Trump administration, the position of Attorney General Pam Bondi remains unthreatened, says Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer.



What Happened: FBI Director Kash Patel&nbsp;and Deputy FBI Director Dan&nbsp;Bongino were contemplating resignation if Bondi continues her tenure as attorney general. This development comes in the wake of a controversy related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.



Bondi, Patel, and Bongino had&nbsp;all pledged to disclose vital documents associated with Epstein, a deceased financier and a convicted sex offender. 



However, a memo from&nbsp;the Department of Justice and&nbsp;FBI revealed&nbsp;that Epstein did not have&nbsp;the much-anticipated &#8220;client list&#8221; that many, including Trump supporters, believed he possessed.



The memo&#8217;s findings triggered a strong backlash from Trump&#8217;s supporters. Cobb, who served during Trump&#8217;s first administration, mentioned on CNN that President Donald Trump would certainly favor Bondi over Patel or Bongino.



"I think Patel clearly has gotten the message because he sort of silently sat on the sidelines and rallied behind the team concept that the White House and the Justice Department are trying to sell," Cobb said. 



"And I think what you'll see is that Bongino has to come back from the weekend, and say, ‘Gee, sorry I had a bad day.&#8217;"



As per Cobb, if Bongino fails to express regret, &#8220;he&#8217;s gone.&#8221; He further underscored that Bondi&#8217;s position is secure, asserting, &#8220;Bondi&#8217;s not going.&#8221;



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>



"And for a specific reason, which is Bondi, like Hegseth, is very senior to the other people in their departments who are screwing up. And while they've both been a huge embarrassment and done some just astonishing things, and for the history of the country, if he terminates one of them, he picked them,&#8221; Cobb said. 



&#8220;And he put him in those senior positions, and it'll be a huge embarrassment to him. So, the further down the pecking order you go, if you're Trump, in his thinking, if somebody leaves that's further down, if it's not the top dog, it's not as big a reflection on him," he further added. 



Why It Matters: The power struggle within the Trump administration and the controversy surrounding the Epstein case have put the spotlight on key figures like Bondi, Patel, and Bongino. 



The assurance from Cobb, a former insider, about Bondi&#8217;s secure position, provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the administration. The potential resignations of Patel and Bongino could lead to significant shifts in the administration&#8217;s power structure. 



The fallout from the Epstein case continues to have repercussions, influencing public opinion and the administration&#8217;s internal politics.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43077007/jeffrey-epstein-allegedly-offered-plea-deal-in-exchange-for-trump-info-if-i-can-give-them-something-on-trump-to-get-him-impeached" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Epstein Allegedly Offered Plea Deal In Exchange For Trump Info: ‘If I Can Give Them Something On Trump To Get Him Impeached'</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Politics

Jeffrey Epstein Case: Ex-Trump White House Lawyer Says Pam Bondi Isn't Going Anywhere Amid Power Struggle

President Donald Trump&#8216;s former lawyer Alan Dershowitz has asserted that he is aware of the identities on the purported client list of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/social-media/25/05/45710915/elon-musk-once-asked-why-epstein-maxwell-client-list-hasnt-leaked-heres-how-he-responded-to-x-user-who-suggested-he-was-a-client">late financier Jeffrey Epstein.</a>



What Happened: Statements from Dershowitz&#8217;s March appearance&nbsp;on The Sean Spicer Show&nbsp;have come to light again. 



Last week in a post on X, Spicer shared Dershowitz&#8217;s&nbsp;comments, &#8220;I&nbsp;know the names of the&nbsp;individuals. I know why they're&nbsp;being suppressed. I know who's&nbsp;suppressing them. But I&#8217;m bound by confidentiality.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f6a8;<a href="https://twitter.com/AlanDersh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlanDersh</a> said he saw the entire Epstein list while proving his innocence: &quot;Documents are being suppressed to protect individuals. I know the names of the individuals. I know why they&#39;re being suppressed. I know who&#39;s suppressing them. But I&#39;m bound by confidentiality.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2bx7SwozN3">pic.twitter.com/2bx7SwozN3</a>&mdash; Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) <a href="https://twitter.com/seanspicer/status/1943322536189509719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>







Epstein, who committed suicide in 2019, has been the center of conspiracy theories that suggest he provided underage girls for sex to a list of prominent individuals. 



Dershowitz, renowned for representing high-profile clients like Epstein and Donald Trump, was a member of Epstein&#8217;s defense team during the financier&#8217;s investigations for soliciting sex from minors.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>



Earlier this year, the Trump administration hinted at revealing documents and names linked to Epstein&#8217;s inner circle, but later withdrew, sparking outrage among&nbsp;many in the MAGA movement.



Despite a recent government memo stating&nbsp;no new evidence has been&nbsp;found in relation to the Epstein case, Sigrid McCawley, representing several Epstein victims, demanded that those involved in Epstein&#8217;s crimes be brought to justice.



"Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways," McCawley said in a statement.



Why It Matters: The alleged client list of Epstein has been a subject of intense speculation and controversy. The list is believed to contain names of high-profile individuals who were part of Epstein&#8217;s inner circle. 



Dershowitz&#8217;s claim of knowledge about the list and the individuals on it adds a new layer to the ongoing investigations and discussions around Epstein&#8217;s activities.



The Trump administration&#8217;s earlier indication of releasing related documents and names, and its subsequent retraction, has added to the intrigue and public demand for transparency. 



The call by McCawley for those connected to Epstein&#8217;s crimes to be held accountable underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.



Read Next



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Image: Shutterstock/a katz

Ex-Trump Lawyer Dershowitz Claims Knowledge of Epstein Client List: 'I Know the Names, But I'm Bound by Confidentiality'

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants synthetic food dyes out of the American food supply. But one of the nation's most recognizable candy giants — Mars, the maker of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46278726/rfk-jr-s-battle-against-synthetic-food-dye-will-mms-skittles-keep-their-colors">M&amp;M's and Skittles</a> — isn't playing along.



Mars confirmed it will continue using synthetic dyes in its candies, despite a previous 2016 pledge to remove all artificial colors from its entire portfolio of foods and snacks. In a statement to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/rfk-food-dyes-candy.html">The New York Times</a>, the company defended its decision, stating that its products remain "safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world."



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RFK Jr., meanwhile, is pushing for a nationwide ban on petroleum-based dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, and Blue 1 and 2 — all of which are common in children's snacks. The move is part of his broader <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45560572/rfk-jr-s-make-america-healthy-again-report-stirs-gop-farmers-over-glyphosate-concerns-ahead-of-release">"Make America Healthy Again" agenda</a>, which targets food additives linked to health and behavioral concerns.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Behind the Ban?</h2>



Synthetic dyes have long been controversial. Several studies have raised concerns over possible links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer — especially in children.



According to a 2024 study published in the <a href="https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(25)00166-2/fulltext">Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics</a>, 19% of packaged U.S. foods contained synthetic dyes. That number jumped to 28% in products marketed to children. Many of those same foods were also found to contain significantly higher sugar levels.



While federal regulators have yet to impose restrictions on these dyes, a growing number of states are stepping in. West Virginia has passed <a href="https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2354&amp;year=2025&amp;sessiontype=RS">sweeping legislation banning seven dyes</a> and two preservatives from school meals starting in 2025, with a broader food ban statewide by 2028. California will prohibit Red Dye No. 3 and several other additives starting in 2027. Utah, Virginia, and Texas have all adopted similar policies, ranging from outright bans to mandatory labeling.



Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mars Pushes Back&nbsp;</h2>



In comments made to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/business/mampms-skittles-resist-rfk-jrs-demand-to-remove-synthetic-dyes/">New York Post</a>, the National Confectioners Association — which represents companies like Mars — defended the use of synthetic dyes and questioned why candy is being singled out.



"People can freely buy cannabis, THC products, alcohol, and cigarettes — but vibrantly colored candy is an issue? Give me a break," said NCA spokesperson Christopher Gindlesperger.



He argued that candy isn't deceptive. "People know that confectionery products are treats and that they contain sugar, food colors, and other FDA-approved ingredients, because candy is intrinsically transparent," he said.



Gindlesperger added that chocolate and candy have been safely enjoyed "for generations," and that the industry supports science-based evaluations of food additives to reduce consumer confusion and maintain trust.



As for switching to natural colors? Gindlesperger acknowledged that it's possible — but not easy. Natural alternatives are harder to source, more expensive, and could increase prices for consumers. "Companies need time to find alternatives," he told the Post.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">So Why Candy — and Not Cigarettes or Booze?</h2>



That's the question candy makers keep coming back to.



They argue that candy is being unfairly targeted in RFK Jr.'s crackdown, especially when far more harmful substances—like tobacco, alcohol, and even THC products—remain legal and widely available. Unlike those, they say, candy is clearly labeled, transparently marketed as a treat, and enjoyed in moderation by millions of people without controversy.



But RFK Jr.'s team sees it differently. The concern isn't just the color—it's the cumulative exposure. Artificial dyes are especially common in products aimed at children, and many of those same items are loaded with sugar. Bright packaging and vibrant colors may make candy look harmless, but for kids who consume it regularly, critics argue the long-term health effects can quietly stack up.



And while candy companies point to personal choice and moderation, some health experts say the issue runs deeper. According to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/experts-is-sugar-addictive-drug">Healthline</a>, registered dietitian Cassie Bjork, founder of Healthy Simple Life, says sugar can light up the brain's reward system in ways similar to addictive drugs. "Sugar activates the opiate receptors in our brain and affects the reward center," she explained. That activation, she says, can lead to compulsive use "despite the negative consequences like weight gain, headaches, hormone imbalances, and more."



In that context, candy may not look so harmless after all. The argument isn't just about whether candy is as dangerous as cigarettes—but whether it's been given a pass for too long simply because it comes in a bright wrapper.



Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

M&M, Skittles Maker Rejects RFK Jr.'s Call To Drop Synthetic Dyes — 'People Can Buy Alcohol And Cigarettes…But Colored Candy Is An Issue?'

XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) has rallied 12% on Friday and 25% on the week as traders see a major breakout beyond all-time highs in the making.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td><td>Market Cap</td><td>7-Day Trend</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$2.77</td><td>&nbsp;$164.1 billion</td><td>+25.5%&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$116,967.60</td><td>&nbsp;$2.32 trillion</td><td>&nbsp;+8.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$2,966.40</td><td>&nbsp;$357.9 billion</td><td>+18.9%&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Legendary futures trader Peter Brandt says XRP is currently in a short consolidation phase, marked by a "yellow box" on his chart. He expects the next decisive move to be a strong leg up, calling for a bullish continuation.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Everything I&#39;ve come to know know about charts informs me that the next trend in this mystery market will be Up Up Up The market is just pausing in the yellow box <a href="https://t.co/SA0Cs8JKra">pic.twitter.com/SA0Cs8JKra</a>&mdash; Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterLBrandt/status/1943618645109641495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



DonAlt <a href="https://x.com/CryptoDonAlt/status/1943661799775068262">echoed</a> this view, stating that XRP is pausing at range highs but is coiled for what he describes as a &#8220;giga go&#8221; move. Given how long XRP has ranged, a strong upside breakout is now more likely if momentum sustains.



Statistics: Coinglass data reveals XRP's open interest jumped 20.2%, while derivatives trading volume soared 108.4% in 24 hours. The rally triggered $33.8 million in liquidations, with $28.9 million from shorts — underscoring the intensity of the upside move. 



Community News: Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan <a href="https://x.com/thecryptobasic/status/1942955041297469697">recommended </a>XRP as one of the best tokens for exposure to the tokenization narrative. He advocates investing in a basket of L1s and infrastructure plays including Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Chainlink.



Hougan notes that the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is fast emerging as a serious player in the real-world asset (RWA) tokenization space, with increasing institutional involvement. Holding XRP, he argues, may offer access to long-term gains from this expanding market.



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XRP Explodes For 25% Weekly Gain: Is A 'Giga Rally' Imminent?

Former Secretary of State John Kerry says fellow Democrats let the U.S.–Mexico border fall "under siege," conceding in an interview that "Trump was right" about the need to enforce immigration laws.



What Happened: Speaking <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4wk52rwqpo">with</a> BBC correspondent James Naughtie, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee said he had warned former President Joe Biden that the party had "missed&#8221; on the issue of immigration for years.



"The first thing any president should say … is, &#8216;without a border protected, you don't have a nation,'" Kerry added, lamenting that Biden was not heard often enough promising strict enforcement.



Kerry's remarks come as illegal border crossings have plunged to near-record lows during President Donald Trump's second term. U.S. Customs and Border Protection <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-march-2025-monthly-update">logged</a> just 7,181 Southwest apprehensions in March, a 95% drop from a year earlier under Biden. The agency reported zero migrant <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2025-monthly-update">releases</a> in May after Trump ended most asylum processing.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46360429/mike-pence-says-trumps-tariff-escalations-with-us-allies-are-like-dismissing-your-front-line-in-a-football-game">Mike Pence Says Trump&#8217;s Tariff Escalations With US Allies Are Like &#8216;Dismissing Your Front Line In A Football Game&#8217;</a>



Asked if Trump would seize on the comments as vindication, Kerry replied, "He was right. The problem is we all should have been right."



Why It Matters: The former climate envoy said Democrats' hesitation opened a political advantage for the Republicans.



Republicans defend the crackdowns as integral to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46284121/trumps-45-billion-immigration-policy-supercharges-profits-for-private-prisons-under-big-beautiful-bill">Trump's $45 billion detention surge</a> authorized in the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which also expanded private-prison profits. Democrats counter that aggressive tactics mirror the family-separation furor of Trump's first term and say Biden's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/06/39144853/biden-to-sign-executive-order-to-limit-asylum-seekers-crossing-us-mexico-border-report">tougher stance</a> late in his presidency was already cutting crossings.



Kerry's unusually blunt critique highlights a widening Democratic anxiety that immigration remains Trump's strongest issue heading into the 2026 midterms.



Photo Courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis on Shutterstock.com



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John Kerry Says 'Trump Was Right' About The Border And It Was Joe Biden That 'Missed' On Immigration Issue

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