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Sabrina Carpenter, Daniel Radcliffe and more stars support LGBTQ+ community in powerful letter

Sabrina Carpenter, Daniel Radcliffe and more stars support LGBTQ+ community in powerful letter

Perth Now3 days ago

Sabrina Carpenter, Daniel Radcliffe and more have signed an open letter supporting LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention programmes.
The two stars have joined over 100 huge Hollywood names - including Ariana Grande, Pedro Pascal and Jamie Lee Curtis - in criticising United States President Donald Trump's administration over its proposals to cut funding for such organisations.
A letter signed by the celebrities has been published by nonprofit organisation The Trevor Project urging Trump and Congress to "protect funding for the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget".
The letter reads: "We are heartbroken by the proposal to eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services — a move that will have devastating, life-threatening consequences for young people across the country.
'As artists, creators, and public figures, our platforms come with responsibility.
"And today, that responsibility is clear: we must speak out to protect the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth. We will not stay silent.'
Other stars who have signed the letter include Sarah Paulson, Cara Delevingne, Dua Lipa, Paul Feig, Alan Cumming, Diplo, Orville Peck, Dwyane Wade, Noah Cyrus, Paris Hilton and many more.
The note continues: "This is about people, not politics.
"At a time of deep division, let this be something we as people can all agree on: no young person should be left without help in their darkest moment.
"Stripping away this lifeline leaves LGBTQ+ youth with the message that their lives are not worth saving. We refuse to accept that message.'
The group has also pointed to the need for young members of the LGTBQ+ community to have positive role models.
They add in the letter: "Telling stories about the diverse tapestry of humanity is what makes art powerful, and representation can be life-saving.
"At this moment, LGBTQ+ youth are hearing messages that question and criticize their identities and their existence. We must show them that there are still so many people fighting for their rights.
"To every LGBTQ+ young person reading this: you are not alone. We see you. We value you.
"You have the right to feel safe, supported, and loved exactly as you are. You deserve access to life-saving services that honor your humanity.
"You may be hurting. You may be scared. You may feel like no one hears you — but we do. We will keep showing up and speaking out. We will not stop fighting for you.'

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Donald Trump says Elon Musk ‘went crazy' over US EV subsidy cuts
Donald Trump says Elon Musk ‘went crazy' over US EV subsidy cuts

The Advertiser

time7 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Donald Trump says Elon Musk ‘went crazy' over US EV subsidy cuts

The relationship between the world's richest man and the leader of the United States has rapidly and publicly deteriorated, and the latter says a dispute over electric vehicle (EV) subsidies is at the heart of it. "Elon [Musk] was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave. I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" US President Donald Trump posted on his social media network Truth Social earlier today. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" President Trump's social media posts came shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to his own social media platform X overnight to oppose a piece of legislation the president is trying to have passed in Congress. He called on legislators to "kill the bill" that he said will grow the country's deficit to US$2.5 trillion (~A$3.85 trillion). After President Trump's Truth Social rebuttal, Mr Musk posted: "Such an obvious lie. So sad.". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Tesla CEO, who last Friday completed his term as a special government employee leading massive cost-cutting initiatives across the government, also re-shared a clip of himself from 2021 calling for EV subsidies to be scrapped, along with subsidies for oil and gas companies. He reiterated this earlier today, arguing President Trump's Republican party should "keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil and gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill". Buyers of new EVs in the US can currently receive a full tax credit of US$7500 (A$11,550), provided the vehicles meet certain battery component requirements. Should the One Big Beautiful Bill Act pass in its current form, this tax credit – which depending on buyers' incomes, applies to certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles – will be repealed. The drama has continued to unfold in the media and on X, with Mr Musk accusing President Trump of being in the Epstein Files – referring to files on deceased financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein – and appearing to support the impeachment of the president and the formation of a new political party. But looking back to the EV subsidies, which are much more pertinent to an automotive website, and finance institution JP Morgan said in a note to clients on Thursday that it estimated the loss of the EV tax credit could cost Tesla around US$1.2 billion (~A$1.85bn) annually. The public feud has already corresponded with an almost 15 per cent fall in the Tesla share price, wiping around US$150 billion (~A$231bn) from its value – the biggest hit to its market cap ever, pushing it below the US$1 trillion (~A$1.54 trillion) mark. This comes after Tesla's financials have also taken a hit. In the first three months of 2025, Tesla posted an operating income of US$399 million (A$624 million), down 66 per cent on the first quarter of 2024. Mr Musk also said earlier this month the success of Tesla can be measured by its stock value, not its sales figures, which he used as evidence showing the automaker's difficulties have already been overcome despite well-publicised declines. "Our sales our doing very well at this point; we don't anticipate any sales shortfall, and – you know – honestly, the stock market recognises that, we're now back over US$1 trillion [A$1.54 trillion] in market cap, so clearly the market is aware of the situation," he said. Following the US election, Tesla stock prices reached record highs of almost US$480 per share, however, this then dropped to about US$220 before recently starting to rise once again. At market close on Thursday, shares were sitting at US$284.70 (A$438). "We've lost some sales on the left, but we've gained them on the right – we see no problem with demand," said Mr Musk in May. Tesla has posted declines in markets including China and Australia in recent months. Perhaps the most worrying sign for Tesla is in Europe, where its sales plunged by 38.8 per cent when comparing January to April 2025 with the same period last year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The only brands to post a bigger decline were Lancia/Chrysler, Smart and Jaguar. Content originally sourced from: The relationship between the world's richest man and the leader of the United States has rapidly and publicly deteriorated, and the latter says a dispute over electric vehicle (EV) subsidies is at the heart of it. "Elon [Musk] was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave. I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" US President Donald Trump posted on his social media network Truth Social earlier today. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" President Trump's social media posts came shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to his own social media platform X overnight to oppose a piece of legislation the president is trying to have passed in Congress. He called on legislators to "kill the bill" that he said will grow the country's deficit to US$2.5 trillion (~A$3.85 trillion). After President Trump's Truth Social rebuttal, Mr Musk posted: "Such an obvious lie. So sad.". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Tesla CEO, who last Friday completed his term as a special government employee leading massive cost-cutting initiatives across the government, also re-shared a clip of himself from 2021 calling for EV subsidies to be scrapped, along with subsidies for oil and gas companies. He reiterated this earlier today, arguing President Trump's Republican party should "keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil and gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill". Buyers of new EVs in the US can currently receive a full tax credit of US$7500 (A$11,550), provided the vehicles meet certain battery component requirements. Should the One Big Beautiful Bill Act pass in its current form, this tax credit – which depending on buyers' incomes, applies to certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles – will be repealed. The drama has continued to unfold in the media and on X, with Mr Musk accusing President Trump of being in the Epstein Files – referring to files on deceased financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein – and appearing to support the impeachment of the president and the formation of a new political party. But looking back to the EV subsidies, which are much more pertinent to an automotive website, and finance institution JP Morgan said in a note to clients on Thursday that it estimated the loss of the EV tax credit could cost Tesla around US$1.2 billion (~A$1.85bn) annually. The public feud has already corresponded with an almost 15 per cent fall in the Tesla share price, wiping around US$150 billion (~A$231bn) from its value – the biggest hit to its market cap ever, pushing it below the US$1 trillion (~A$1.54 trillion) mark. This comes after Tesla's financials have also taken a hit. In the first three months of 2025, Tesla posted an operating income of US$399 million (A$624 million), down 66 per cent on the first quarter of 2024. Mr Musk also said earlier this month the success of Tesla can be measured by its stock value, not its sales figures, which he used as evidence showing the automaker's difficulties have already been overcome despite well-publicised declines. "Our sales our doing very well at this point; we don't anticipate any sales shortfall, and – you know – honestly, the stock market recognises that, we're now back over US$1 trillion [A$1.54 trillion] in market cap, so clearly the market is aware of the situation," he said. Following the US election, Tesla stock prices reached record highs of almost US$480 per share, however, this then dropped to about US$220 before recently starting to rise once again. At market close on Thursday, shares were sitting at US$284.70 (A$438). "We've lost some sales on the left, but we've gained them on the right – we see no problem with demand," said Mr Musk in May. Tesla has posted declines in markets including China and Australia in recent months. Perhaps the most worrying sign for Tesla is in Europe, where its sales plunged by 38.8 per cent when comparing January to April 2025 with the same period last year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The only brands to post a bigger decline were Lancia/Chrysler, Smart and Jaguar. Content originally sourced from: The relationship between the world's richest man and the leader of the United States has rapidly and publicly deteriorated, and the latter says a dispute over electric vehicle (EV) subsidies is at the heart of it. "Elon [Musk] was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave. I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" US President Donald Trump posted on his social media network Truth Social earlier today. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" President Trump's social media posts came shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to his own social media platform X overnight to oppose a piece of legislation the president is trying to have passed in Congress. He called on legislators to "kill the bill" that he said will grow the country's deficit to US$2.5 trillion (~A$3.85 trillion). After President Trump's Truth Social rebuttal, Mr Musk posted: "Such an obvious lie. So sad.". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Tesla CEO, who last Friday completed his term as a special government employee leading massive cost-cutting initiatives across the government, also re-shared a clip of himself from 2021 calling for EV subsidies to be scrapped, along with subsidies for oil and gas companies. He reiterated this earlier today, arguing President Trump's Republican party should "keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil and gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill". Buyers of new EVs in the US can currently receive a full tax credit of US$7500 (A$11,550), provided the vehicles meet certain battery component requirements. Should the One Big Beautiful Bill Act pass in its current form, this tax credit – which depending on buyers' incomes, applies to certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles – will be repealed. The drama has continued to unfold in the media and on X, with Mr Musk accusing President Trump of being in the Epstein Files – referring to files on deceased financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein – and appearing to support the impeachment of the president and the formation of a new political party. But looking back to the EV subsidies, which are much more pertinent to an automotive website, and finance institution JP Morgan said in a note to clients on Thursday that it estimated the loss of the EV tax credit could cost Tesla around US$1.2 billion (~A$1.85bn) annually. The public feud has already corresponded with an almost 15 per cent fall in the Tesla share price, wiping around US$150 billion (~A$231bn) from its value – the biggest hit to its market cap ever, pushing it below the US$1 trillion (~A$1.54 trillion) mark. This comes after Tesla's financials have also taken a hit. In the first three months of 2025, Tesla posted an operating income of US$399 million (A$624 million), down 66 per cent on the first quarter of 2024. Mr Musk also said earlier this month the success of Tesla can be measured by its stock value, not its sales figures, which he used as evidence showing the automaker's difficulties have already been overcome despite well-publicised declines. "Our sales our doing very well at this point; we don't anticipate any sales shortfall, and – you know – honestly, the stock market recognises that, we're now back over US$1 trillion [A$1.54 trillion] in market cap, so clearly the market is aware of the situation," he said. Following the US election, Tesla stock prices reached record highs of almost US$480 per share, however, this then dropped to about US$220 before recently starting to rise once again. At market close on Thursday, shares were sitting at US$284.70 (A$438). "We've lost some sales on the left, but we've gained them on the right – we see no problem with demand," said Mr Musk in May. Tesla has posted declines in markets including China and Australia in recent months. Perhaps the most worrying sign for Tesla is in Europe, where its sales plunged by 38.8 per cent when comparing January to April 2025 with the same period last year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The only brands to post a bigger decline were Lancia/Chrysler, Smart and Jaguar. Content originally sourced from: The relationship between the world's richest man and the leader of the United States has rapidly and publicly deteriorated, and the latter says a dispute over electric vehicle (EV) subsidies is at the heart of it. "Elon [Musk] was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave. I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" US President Donald Trump posted on his social media network Truth Social earlier today. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" President Trump's social media posts came shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to his own social media platform X overnight to oppose a piece of legislation the president is trying to have passed in Congress. He called on legislators to "kill the bill" that he said will grow the country's deficit to US$2.5 trillion (~A$3.85 trillion). After President Trump's Truth Social rebuttal, Mr Musk posted: "Such an obvious lie. So sad.". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Tesla CEO, who last Friday completed his term as a special government employee leading massive cost-cutting initiatives across the government, also re-shared a clip of himself from 2021 calling for EV subsidies to be scrapped, along with subsidies for oil and gas companies. He reiterated this earlier today, arguing President Trump's Republican party should "keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil and gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill". Buyers of new EVs in the US can currently receive a full tax credit of US$7500 (A$11,550), provided the vehicles meet certain battery component requirements. Should the One Big Beautiful Bill Act pass in its current form, this tax credit – which depending on buyers' incomes, applies to certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles – will be repealed. The drama has continued to unfold in the media and on X, with Mr Musk accusing President Trump of being in the Epstein Files – referring to files on deceased financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein – and appearing to support the impeachment of the president and the formation of a new political party. But looking back to the EV subsidies, which are much more pertinent to an automotive website, and finance institution JP Morgan said in a note to clients on Thursday that it estimated the loss of the EV tax credit could cost Tesla around US$1.2 billion (~A$1.85bn) annually. The public feud has already corresponded with an almost 15 per cent fall in the Tesla share price, wiping around US$150 billion (~A$231bn) from its value – the biggest hit to its market cap ever, pushing it below the US$1 trillion (~A$1.54 trillion) mark. This comes after Tesla's financials have also taken a hit. In the first three months of 2025, Tesla posted an operating income of US$399 million (A$624 million), down 66 per cent on the first quarter of 2024. Mr Musk also said earlier this month the success of Tesla can be measured by its stock value, not its sales figures, which he used as evidence showing the automaker's difficulties have already been overcome despite well-publicised declines. "Our sales our doing very well at this point; we don't anticipate any sales shortfall, and – you know – honestly, the stock market recognises that, we're now back over US$1 trillion [A$1.54 trillion] in market cap, so clearly the market is aware of the situation," he said. Following the US election, Tesla stock prices reached record highs of almost US$480 per share, however, this then dropped to about US$220 before recently starting to rise once again. At market close on Thursday, shares were sitting at US$284.70 (A$438). "We've lost some sales on the left, but we've gained them on the right – we see no problem with demand," said Mr Musk in May. Tesla has posted declines in markets including China and Australia in recent months. Perhaps the most worrying sign for Tesla is in Europe, where its sales plunged by 38.8 per cent when comparing January to April 2025 with the same period last year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The only brands to post a bigger decline were Lancia/Chrysler, Smart and Jaguar. Content originally sourced from:

Trump, Musk to hold call after public feud: report
Trump, Musk to hold call after public feud: report

The Advertiser

time7 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Trump, Musk to hold call after public feud: report

White House aides have reportedly scheduled a call between Donald Trump and Elon Musk after a huge public spat that saw threats fly over government contracts and ended with the world's richest man suggesting the US president should be impeached. Politico reported the call on Friday could ease the feuding after an extraordinary day of hostilities - largely conducted over social media - that marked a stark end to a close alliance. The verbal punches erupted on Thursday after Trump criticised Musk in the Oval Office and the pair then traded barbs on their social media platforms: Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," Trump posted on Truth Social. "I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" Shares in Musk's Tesla closed down over 14 per cent on Thursday, losing about $US150 billion in market value in the largest single-day decline in value in its history. Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, "Yes," to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him. Musk earlier said on X that Trump is mentioned in still-secret Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein and he suggested that was why the records have not been released. Musk provided no support for the claim, but it came amid a spectacular and public disintegration of his once-close relationship with Trump. The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation's $US36.2 trillion ($A55.6 trillion) in debt. Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was "very disappointed" in Musk. "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump said. While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election," wrote Musk, who spent nearly $US300 million ($A460 million) backing Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 election. "Such ingratitude." In another post, Musk asserted that Trump's signature tariffs would push the United States into a recession later in 2025. The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizeable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out. Even before Musk's departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies. For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump's most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending. Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son. with AP White House aides have reportedly scheduled a call between Donald Trump and Elon Musk after a huge public spat that saw threats fly over government contracts and ended with the world's richest man suggesting the US president should be impeached. Politico reported the call on Friday could ease the feuding after an extraordinary day of hostilities - largely conducted over social media - that marked a stark end to a close alliance. The verbal punches erupted on Thursday after Trump criticised Musk in the Oval Office and the pair then traded barbs on their social media platforms: Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," Trump posted on Truth Social. "I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" Shares in Musk's Tesla closed down over 14 per cent on Thursday, losing about $US150 billion in market value in the largest single-day decline in value in its history. Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, "Yes," to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him. Musk earlier said on X that Trump is mentioned in still-secret Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein and he suggested that was why the records have not been released. Musk provided no support for the claim, but it came amid a spectacular and public disintegration of his once-close relationship with Trump. The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation's $US36.2 trillion ($A55.6 trillion) in debt. Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was "very disappointed" in Musk. "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump said. While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election," wrote Musk, who spent nearly $US300 million ($A460 million) backing Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 election. "Such ingratitude." In another post, Musk asserted that Trump's signature tariffs would push the United States into a recession later in 2025. The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizeable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out. Even before Musk's departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies. For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump's most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending. Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son. with AP White House aides have reportedly scheduled a call between Donald Trump and Elon Musk after a huge public spat that saw threats fly over government contracts and ended with the world's richest man suggesting the US president should be impeached. Politico reported the call on Friday could ease the feuding after an extraordinary day of hostilities - largely conducted over social media - that marked a stark end to a close alliance. The verbal punches erupted on Thursday after Trump criticised Musk in the Oval Office and the pair then traded barbs on their social media platforms: Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," Trump posted on Truth Social. "I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" Shares in Musk's Tesla closed down over 14 per cent on Thursday, losing about $US150 billion in market value in the largest single-day decline in value in its history. Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, "Yes," to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him. Musk earlier said on X that Trump is mentioned in still-secret Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein and he suggested that was why the records have not been released. Musk provided no support for the claim, but it came amid a spectacular and public disintegration of his once-close relationship with Trump. The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation's $US36.2 trillion ($A55.6 trillion) in debt. Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was "very disappointed" in Musk. "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump said. While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election," wrote Musk, who spent nearly $US300 million ($A460 million) backing Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 election. "Such ingratitude." In another post, Musk asserted that Trump's signature tariffs would push the United States into a recession later in 2025. The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizeable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out. Even before Musk's departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies. For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump's most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending. Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son. with AP White House aides have reportedly scheduled a call between Donald Trump and Elon Musk after a huge public spat that saw threats fly over government contracts and ended with the world's richest man suggesting the US president should be impeached. Politico reported the call on Friday could ease the feuding after an extraordinary day of hostilities - largely conducted over social media - that marked a stark end to a close alliance. The verbal punches erupted on Thursday after Trump criticised Musk in the Oval Office and the pair then traded barbs on their social media platforms: Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," Trump posted on Truth Social. "I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" Shares in Musk's Tesla closed down over 14 per cent on Thursday, losing about $US150 billion in market value in the largest single-day decline in value in its history. Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, "Yes," to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him. Musk earlier said on X that Trump is mentioned in still-secret Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein and he suggested that was why the records have not been released. Musk provided no support for the claim, but it came amid a spectacular and public disintegration of his once-close relationship with Trump. The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation's $US36.2 trillion ($A55.6 trillion) in debt. Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was "very disappointed" in Musk. "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump said. While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election," wrote Musk, who spent nearly $US300 million ($A460 million) backing Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 election. "Such ingratitude." In another post, Musk asserted that Trump's signature tariffs would push the United States into a recession later in 2025. The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizeable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out. Even before Musk's departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies. For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump's most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending. Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son. with AP

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