Bill Ackman sends strong message on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

Stellantis has been declared in default by Canada for moving Jeep production from Ontario to the U.S., a decision made to align with the preferences of President Trump. This shift has resulted in the company defaulting on contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance.

The potential initial public offering (IPO) of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has sparked discussions among key investors, including John Paulson and Bill Ackman, regarding how the structure of the offering will impact their financial outcomes. The Treasury's involvement is also crucial in determining the success of this IPO, which could reshape the landscape of government-sponsored enterprises.

President Trump has granted clemency to David Gentile, the founder and former CEO of GPB Capital, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. This clemency order raises the possibility that a forfeiture proceeding against Gentile, which could involve over $15 million, may be dropped.

At the recent DealBook Summit, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump, highlighting concerns over the increasing ties between the business sector and Trump's administration. The summit addressed significant economic issues, including inflation, tariffs, and market bubbles, which have been prevalent in the news this year.

The 2025 DealBook Summit brought together business and political leaders, with President Trump's economic policies and the impact of artificial intelligence being key discussion points. California Governor Gavin Newsom engaged in dialogue with DealBook Editor at Large Andrew Ross Sorkin, highlighting the intersection of technology and governance.

The stock market showed resilience on December 3, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 400 points, while the S&P 500 continued its upward trend, reflecting investor optimism. American Eagle's stock surged by 11% following strong Q3 results and an upward revision of its guidance, indicating robust financial performance. Additionally, Anthropic is reportedly preparing for an IPO as early as 2026, which could further influence market dynamics.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is under pressure to deliver a compliant candidate for the Federal Reserve chair position, as President Trump demands swift action to lower interest rates. Bessent's choice could significantly impact monetary policy and the administration's economic strategy.

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the legality of President Trump’s tariffs, but businesses are proactively seeking refunds on the approximately $200 billion collected in duties this year. Companies like Costco and Revlon are among those filing lawsuits to reclaim these funds, anticipating a favorable ruling from the court.