'Trump wouldn't have been US President had…': Hakeem Jeffries rips GOP agenda, Trump-Musk feud - The Economic Times Video
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered remarks on Friday morning as Democrats rallied against President Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' which is encountering substantial obstacles in the Senate. His comments came in the wake of tensions between Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, who recently left the administration. Musk's criticism of the GOP megabill frustrated the president, sparking a public dispute between them and providing Democrats with additional material to critique the extensive spending package.
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Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump signs orders to boost US drone defenses, supersonic flight; aims to counter threats; cut America's reliance on China
US President Donald Trump on Friday signed three executive orders aimed at enhancing drone security and promoting future air technologies, including electric air taxis and supersonic commercial aircraft, the White House announced. The new orders will allow drones to operate beyond the visual line of sight of their operators—an important step toward enabling widespread commercial drone deliveries. They also aim to reduce America's dependence on Chinese drone manufacturers and advance the testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, benefiting companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. To support these efforts, Trump is launching a federal task force to strengthen US control over its airspace. The task force will expand protections around sensitive sites, increase the government's ability to detect drones in real time, and provide support to state and local law enforcement. According to Reuters, Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy said that, Trump further aims to address the "growing threat of criminal terrorists and foreign misuse of drones in US airspace." "We are securing our borders from national security threats, including in the air, with large-scale public events such as the Olympics and the World Cup on the horizon," Kratsios added. Sebastian Gorka from the National Security Council highlighted drone threats in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and at US sporting events. The issue of suspicious drones also gained significant attention last year after a flurry of drone sightings in New Jersey. The FAA receives over 100 monthly reports of drone sightings near airports, with incidents disrupting flights and events. "We will be increasing counter-drone capabilities and capacities," Gorka said. "We will increase the enforcement of current laws to deter two types of individuals: evildoers and idiots," Gorka added. The orders also instructed the FAA to remove the 1973 ban on overland supersonic transport. Environmental groups have criticised supersonic aircraft for higher fuel consumption per passenger compared to subsonic alternatives. "The reality is that Americans should be able to fly from New York to LA in under four hours," Kratsios told the Reuters, further adding that, "advances in aerospace engineering, material science and noise reduction now make overland supersonic flight not just possible, but safe, sustainable and commercially viable." The order directs FAA to repeal the supersonic speed limit as long as aircraft do not produce an audible sonic boom on the ground. Airplane manufacturer Boom Supersonic welcomed the move. Its CEO, Blake Scholl, said: "The supersonic race is on and a new era of commercial flight can begin." Commercial supersonic flights ended in 2003 with the retirement of the Concorde, used by British Airways and Air France for 27 years. The FAA has been instructed to eliminate the supersonic speed restriction, provided that aircraft maintain noise levels that prevent sonic booms from reaching ground level. The announcement received positive acknowledgement from Boom Supersonic, an aircraft manufacturing company. Its CEO, Blake Scholl, stated: "The supersonic race is on and a new era of commercial flight can begin." While Trump's orders do not explicitly ban Chinese drone companies, they come amid growing scrutiny of firms like DJI and Autel Robotics. DJI, the world's biggest drone maker, supplies over half of all commercial drones used in the US. Although legislation signed by former President Joe Biden last year could ban China-based DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new models in the country. The new orders reinforce the push to reduce US dependence on Chinese technology in critical sectors like aviation and drone operations. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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First Post
25 minutes ago
- First Post
How Poland's election of a pro-Trump president sends a ‘thunderclap across Europe'
Though the prime minister, Donald Tusk, remains head of government, Karol Nawrocki's presidency will limit his ability to push pro-European reforms read more Poland's conservative and now president-elect, Karol Nawrocki, gestures during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Exhibition and Congress Centre of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship near Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, Poland, during his campaigning on May 27, 2025. (Photo: AFP) On June 2, Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, called for a parliamentary vote of confidence in his coalition government, to be held on June 11. While announcing the vote, Tusk stated: 'I want everyone to see, including our opponents, at home and abroad, that we are ready for this situation, that we understand the gravity of the moment, but that we do not intend to take a single step back.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tusk, who came to power in late 2023, has repeatedly been frustrated in his efforts to deliver on electoral promises—primarily due to President Andrzej Duda, an ally of the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Duda has frequently vetoed laws passed by Tusk's majority government or sent them to courts packed with loyalists of the previous administration. The most recent political shift now presents an even greater existential threat to the Tusk government's ability to fulfill promises made both to Polish voters and the European Union. The Dual Governance System Under Poland's 1997 Constitution, the country operates under a mixed presidential-parliamentary system. The President—directly elected to no more than two five-year terms—serves as the Commander-in-Chief, and has limited powers to declare martial law or a state of emergency. The President can veto laws passed by the Sejm (lower house), though the Sejm can override the veto with a three-fifths majority. However, day-to-day governance is led by the Prime Minister. The President appoints the Prime Minister, and on the PM's recommendation, appoints the Cabinet—subject to parliamentary approval. The President cannot dismiss the government. Members of the Sejm and Senate are elected for four-year terms. Laws must be approved by both houses, but the Sejm can override Senate objections with a simple majority. Thus, executive power is primarily vested in the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who are accountable to the Sejm. The PM's role is comparable to that of a chancellor in Germany. So What Changed? The immediate shift stems from the runoff round of Poland's presidential election, held on Sunday. Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the second-round presidential runoff, Karol Nawrocki, a political outsider and ally of the populist Law and Justice party, narrowly defeated Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal Mayor of Warsaw and Tusk's preferred candidate. Trzaskowski had led in the inconclusive first round and was favored by early exit polls on Sunday night. The race was close—so close that for Trzaskowski, the result felt like defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. The Narrowest of Margins According to Poland's electoral commission, Nawrocki secured 50.9 per cent of the vote to Trzaskowski's 49.1 per cent—a margin of just 300,000 votes. The voter turnout was high at 71.63 per cent, underscoring deep political polarisation. The Run to the Runoff The second round was necessary because none of the 13 candidates in the May 18 first round reached the 50 per cent threshold. Trzaskowski led with 31.4 per cent, followed closely by Nawrocki at 29.5 per cent. Decoding Nawrocki Karol Nawrocki, 42, a historian and former head of Poland's national remembrance institute, is also an amateur boxer. A political outsider, he ran as an independent with strong backing from Law and Justice. He portrayed himself as an underdog, sharing videos of himself boxing and at shooting ranges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His campaign focused on nationalist, anti-immigration themes. He promised to protect Polish sovereignty and frequently criticized EU interference in domestic affairs. Brussels vs Washington Poland's political framework is now split. The centrist government, headed by Tusk, is aligned with Brussels (the EU), while the newly elected right-wing president is supported by Washington, particularly figures close to Donald Trump. Political analyst Jaroslaw Kuisz has called this a clash between 'two Wests'—two ideologically distinct power centers. Thunderclap Over Europe Just two weeks earlier, Romania's centrist Nicusor Dan defeated far-right nationalist George Simion, providing temporary relief to pro-EU observers. But Nawrocki's win in Poland reversed that trend—representing, as many observers noted, a 'thunderclap over Europe'. The Rise of the Far Right Poland's result is part of a broader European pattern. Trzaskowski performed well in major cities, while Nawrocki won rural areas and much of the younger male vote. With similar gains by Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Robert Fico in Slovakia, and possibly Andrej Babiš returning in the Czech Republic, Nawrocki's win strengthens nationalist forces across Europe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remained diplomatic, far-right leaders were jubilant. Orbán called it a 'fantastic victory,' while George Simion declared 'Poland won.' Implications for the EU Right and far-right parties are now part of the ruling coalitions in eight European countries and are rising as major opposition forces in Germany and France. This trend has major consequences for the EU: These parties champion nationalist, anti-immigration, and Eurosceptic platforms. They weaken the EU's supranational institutions and hinder policy consensus. They threaten democratic norms, judicial independence, and human rights across member states. Poland: The Specific Fallout Though Tusk remains head of government, Nawrocki's presidency will limit his ability to push pro-European reforms. The president can veto laws and influence foreign policy. Nawrocki, like his predecessor Andrzej Duda, is expected to block key initiatives—only more aggressively. Not Merely Ceremonial While the Prime Minister governs daily affairs, the presidency is not merely ceremonial. With veto power and public clout, Nawrocki can act as a powerful counterweight to Tusk's agenda. Nawrocki will succeed Duda, whose term ends on August 6. Like Duda, Nawrocki is a Law and Justice ally—but reportedly more combative and politically aggressive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tusk's Troubles Multiply Tusk's coalition—composed of liberals, leftists, and conservatives—has a parliamentary majority, but lacks the three-fifths majority needed to override presidential vetoes. Nawrocki is expected to use this power frequently, making Tusk's reform efforts all but impossible. The Lame Duck Label Public patience with Tusk appears to be fading. A Sunday exit poll by OGB showed 47 per cent of voters disapprove of the government, with only 30 per cent approving. The Warsaw stock market dipped 2 per cent after the results. There are two key reasons: Presidential Veto Threat: Nawrocki's election means most reform bills are likely dead on arrival. Coalition Fragility: Tusk's broad coalition could be destabilized. PiS may try to woo right-leaning MPs to collapse the government. Even if that fails, general elections are due in 2027. Conclusion: A Government in Check While Tusk remains in office, the reformist ambition that brought him to power in 2023 is now severely compromised. His government may survive—but only as a lame duck, managing daily affairs without the political space to enact substantial change. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
NDTV
29 minutes ago
- NDTV
"Went Off Cliff Faster Than Tesla": Late-Night Hosts On Trump-Musk Breakup
Washington: Just hours after Elon Musk and Donald Trump locked horns in a bitter online exchange, America's late-night comedy shows jumped at the chance to revel in the chaos of their very public fallout. A smouldering dispute between the president and the tech mogul over Trump's self-congratulatory 'big, beautiful bill' erupted into an all-out war of words. The break-up sent shockwaves across social media — and late-night television wasted no time in joining the spectacle. The Daily Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, and Late Night With Seth Meyers were all live and ready, offering up sharp jabs and quick wit. Here's how they reacted. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Jimmy Fallon opened with, 'Trump and Elon have been brutally attacking each other all day. Seriously, their relationship went off the cliff faster than a self-driving Tesla.' He appeared stunned by how quickly the friendship had soured. 'I can't believe their relationship fell apart this fast. I mean, a week ago they were all over each other like Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at a Knicks game,' Fallon said. Celebrities like Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively and Kendrick Lamar also earned brief mentions in Fallon's monologue on the Trump-Musk bust-up. Watch here: The Daily Show Michael Kosta of The Daily Show may have coined the most fitting term for the feud — 'World War Douche.' He began saying, 'For a few days now, there's been a simmering tension between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the leader of the free world and the breeder of the free world.' Kosta landed another punchline with Musk's claim that Trump appears in the Epstein files. 'Of course Trump is in the Epstein files,' he said. 'That's like saying, 'Guys, there are aliens in the X-Files.'' Watch here: The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Stephen Colbert began with his trademark flair. 'My fellow Americans and all the ships at sea, I hope you've stocked your family shelter with potable water and dehydrated turkey chili, because, ladies and gentlemen, a full-scale flame war has broken out between the world's most famous besties.' He couldn't resist poking fun at Trump. 'So now Donald Trump is a Tesla owner who hates Elon Musk! He's never been more relatable.' Watch here: Late Night With Seth Meyers Seth Meyers dissected the irony of Musk investing so heavily — both financially and ideologically — in an administration that eventually turned on him. He pointed out the absurdity of it all, saying, 'It's as clear as ever that neither of these guys really believed in anything.' Summing it up with perfect comic timing, he added, 'Watching these guys destroy each other is both big and … beautiful.' Watch here: Jimmy Kimmel Live Jimmy Kimmel joked that he had to ditch an entire monologue about the NBA Finals and a newly appointed head of terror prevention to focus on what he called the biggest news of the day. 'It's like coming down the stairs on Christmas morning and finding a second tree,' he said. In his opening, Kimmel stated, 'I feel bad for Trump lately — he's running out of friends. First, he lost Jeffrey Epstein, now Elon.' Watch here: Musk labelled Trump's spending proposal a 'disgusting abomination' and warned that the so-called 'big, beautiful bill' would 'drive America into debt slavery.' Trump, irked by Musk's criticism, said he was 'very disappointed with Elon.' Musk, never one to retreat quietly, retaliated, posting on X, 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.' As the two former allies spiral further into public enmity, at least one group is benefiting — the late-night hosts, who have found comedy gold in this political implosion.
