US budget deficit is nearly $1tn, highest since 2012
WASHINGTON: America’s budget deficit soared to nearly $1 trillion in the 2019 fiscal year as government borrowing swelled, the US Treasury announced Friday.
The fourth straight year of broadening budget gaps underscored a new tolerance for yawning fiscal imbalances in the current political era. The increase in government borrowing runs counter to US President Donald Trump’s pledge to eliminate America’s $19 trillion debt load.
TRUMP RUES IPHONE HOME BUTTON LOSS
When Apple removed the home button on some iPhone models, the change upset many customers as it forced them to swipe upwards, rather than tap a button, to unlock the device or return to its home screen. Trump, who uses an iPhone, is among those who do not like the change.
“To Tim: The Button on the IPhone was FAR better than the Swipe!” Trump tweeted. The tweet appeared to be directed at Apple chief executive Tim Cook, who has dined with Trump and has discussed trade issues with the US president.
US TO END FLIGHTS TO SOME CUBAN AIRPORTS
The US will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said on Friday, as Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama. The suspension goes into effect on December 10.
US JUDGE VALIDATES IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY
A US judge validated the legality of the impeachment inquiry against Trump and ordered his administration to hand over an unredacted copy of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s report detailing Russian meddling in the 2016 election.