BusinessInnovationTechnology

Trump Administration Explores Quantum Computing Investments Through National Security Funding

The Trump administration is in early discussions about directing federal funding to quantum computing companies through national security channels. This move comes as analysts suggest the administration has effectively created a de facto sovereign wealth fund through recent government investments in critical technology firms.

Quantum Computing Funding Under Consideration

The Trump administration is reportedly exploring potential financial support for quantum computing companies using existing legislation, according to sources familiar with the matter. Officials from the Commerce Department have engaged in preliminary discussions with industry executives about utilizing CHIPS Act funding to back projects and companies deemed critical to national security, the report states.

BusinessScienceTechnology

Commerce Department Denies Equity Negotiations with Quantum Computing Firms

The Commerce Department has officially denied reports that the Trump administration is negotiating equity stakes in quantum computing companies. This contradicts earlier claims from sources familiar with the matter that suggested talks were underway with several quantum firms.

Government Denies Equity Negotiations with Quantum Companies

The U.S. Commerce Department has explicitly denied reports that the federal government is negotiating equity stakes in quantum computing companies, according to an official statement provided to CNBC. A department spokesperson confirmed that “The Commerce Department is not currently negotiating equity stakes with quantum computing companies,” directly contradicting earlier claims about potential government investment in the emerging technology sector.

BusinessEnergyTechnology

Tesla Posts Q3 Profit Surge as Buyers Rush to Beat EV Credit Deadline

Tesla returned to profitability in the third quarter as buyers raced to claim expiring federal EV incentives. The automaker reported $1.4 billion in net income despite a 37% profit decline compared to the same period last year.

Quarterly Financial Performance

Tesla reportedly generated $28.1 billion in revenue during the third quarter, marking a 12% increase year-over-year, according to the company’s earnings report. The electric vehicle manufacturer earned $1.4 billion in net income for the quarter ending in September, though this represents a 37% decrease from the $2.2 billion profit recorded during the same period in 2024. Sources indicate the revenue figures exceeded Wall Street expectations of $26.24 billion, based on data compiled by LSEG.

EducationPolicy

Elite Universities Defy Trump Administration’s Higher Education “Compact” Proposal

Multiple elite universities have rejected the Trump administration’s proposed “compact” that would require significant policy changes in exchange for federal benefits. The standoff highlights growing tensions between the federal government and higher education institutions over academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Major Universities Reject Federal Proposal

Four of nine elite universities have reportedly rejected the Trump administration’s proposed “compact” for higher education reform as the October 20 deadline approaches, according to sources familiar with the matter. The University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, University of Southern California, and MIT have all announced they will not sign the agreement that would tie federal benefits to specific institutional changes.

BusinessPersonal Finance

Wall Street Banks See Prime Brokerage Windfall Amid Hedge Fund Boom

Wall Street’s largest banks are experiencing a prime brokerage boom, with JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America reporting substantial revenue increases. The surge comes as hedge fund activity reaches new heights amid global market volatility and rising asset valuations.

Prime Brokerage Drives Record Wall Street Earnings

Wall Street’s multibillion-dollar prime brokerage operations are generating massive third-quarter profits for major financial institutions, according to recent earnings reports. The business of lending cash and securities to hedge funds has become a significant revenue driver as trading activity surges across global markets.