Odaily Planet Daily News: U.S. Treasury Secretary Basent refuted claims that the recent depreciation of the dollar would affect its status as the world's primary currency. Basent stated on Monday: "The price of the dollar is unrelated to a strong dollar policy. The key to a strong dollar policy is whether we take measures in the long term to ensure that the dollar continues to serve as the global reserve currency." He believes that the Trump administration is indeed taking such measures. The dollar index fell nearly 11% in the first half of the year, marking the worst first-half performance since 1973. This depreciation occurred against a backdrop of concerns about Trump administration policies, particularly the potential impact of increased tariffs on economic growth and a tough diplomatic stance towards long-term allies, who have historically injected funds into the U.S. Basent stated that the Republican tax bill "created conditions for economic growth."