Trump calls Elon Musk ‘terrific', joint Oval Office press conference on Friday as Musk exits DOGE role
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (8:15 pm EST) announced a joint press conference at the White House's Oval Office for 11 pm (IST) on Friday after Elon Musk stepped down from his role as a special government employee.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Meanwhile, Trump praised the billionaire entrepreneur and said that 'Elon is terrific' and "will always be with us."
'This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way. Elon is terrific!' Trump said in a post on Truth Social, confirming Musk's departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he had been leading cost-cutting efforts across federal operations.
Musk's resignation comes in the wake of his sharp criticism of Trump's proposed 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which he described as a 'massive spending bill' that would reverse the fiscal reforms he introduced under DOGE. His resignation also marks the end of his 130 days tenure as a special government employee.
'As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,' Musk posted on X.
'The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
Trump Biographer Explains Why US President Hates Harvard: 'He Didn't Get Into It'
Last Updated: Michael Wolff said, 'So one of the Trump things is always holding a grudge against the Ivy League.' As Donald Trump ramped up his campaign against Harvard University, his longtime biographer Michael Wolff offered a striking personal theory on US President's animosity toward the Ivy League school. In a recent episode of The Daily Beast's podcast, Michael Wolff- author of Fire and Fury, Siege, and All or Nothing- dismissed the internet speculation that Donald Trump's anger toward Harvard is due to his son Barron being denied admission. Instead, he pointed to Trump's own past. 'He didn't get into Harvard," Michael Wolff claimed, adding, 'So one of the Trump things is always holding a grudge against the Ivy League." While podcast host Joanna Coles noted that several of Donald Trump's allies have Harvard connections, Michael Wolff argued that personal resentment and Donald Trump's instinct for confrontation were far more central to his current attacks. 'It's important not to lend too much calculation and planning to anything he does," he said, explaining, 'Harvard just fits perfectly into the kind of elite enemy Trump loves to take down." All of this is part of 'the Trump show", the biographer said, adding, 'He needs an enemy. Harvard, for all it represents, fits right into that narrative. It's drama. It's domination of the headlines. And that's what Trump lives for." There is no official record confirming that Donald Trump ever applied to Harvard as he attended Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics. Donald Trump accused the university of antisemitism, frozen $2.2 billion in federal funding, and barred it from enrolling new international students unless it complies with a set of White House demands. Harvard has refused to yield, calling the restrictions unlawful. The Donald Trump administration has also ordered consular officers to apply enhanced scrutiny to visa applicants headed to Harvard. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
Trump Stumps Old Allies: POTUS Looks To Bridge The 'Gulf' As Ties With Musk, Putin & India Suffer
Last Updated: Under Trump, 'closest allies' are often defined less by diplomatic traditions and more by ideological alignment, economic benefits, and willingness to serve US strategic interests In the ever-evolving landscape of global politics, US President Donald Trump's alliances have been as fluid as the tides. Once seen as a key player with powerful figures like Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin, a closer look reveals a narrative of shifting relationships, with some former allies drifting away while new partnerships, such as with Qatar, emerge. This dynamic highlights Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy, prioritising national interests and economic benefits over traditional ideological alignments. Musk The relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, initially marked by camaraderie and shared populist appeals, has shown signs of strain. While Musk served in an advisory capacity in Trump's administration through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), recent reports suggest a cooling of their political bond. Musk's departure from his government cost-cutting initiative, coupled with his public criticisms of certain Trump administration policies—such as the 'massive spending bill"—indicate a growing divergence. Though Trump has publicly stated that Musk is 'not really leaving" and will remain an adviser, the billionaire's focus appears to be shifting back to his business empire, particularly as Tesla navigates challenging market conditions. The initial alignment, perhaps fuelled by a mutual disruptive ethos, has given way to a more pragmatic distance. While still emphasising his ability to broker a peace deal and threatening further sanctions, this rhetoric marks a departure from the largely deferential tone of his earlier interactions. The ongoing war has forced a recalibration of Trump's public stance, even as his underlying 'America First" philosophy continues to shape his approach to international conflicts. Netanyahu The relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, once famously close and ideologically aligned, has experienced significant strain and, in some key areas, a noticeable deterioration. While both leaders shared a strong conservative and nationalist bent, and Trump's administration delivered several major policy wins for Israel (e.g., moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokering the Abraham Accords), a transactional approach and personal grievances have led to friction. A significant and deeply personal rift for Trump came in 2020 when Netanyahu publicly congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory. Trump, who continues to dispute the election results, viewed this as a profound betrayal, reportedly stating, 'The first person that congratulated [Biden] was Bibi Netanyahu, the man that I did more for than any other person I dealt with. He has made a terrible mistake." Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza, Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Netanyahu's handling of the conflict. While initially supportive, Trump has reportedly grown 'fed up" with Netanyahu's resistance to American directives and the prolonged nature of the war. Trump appears to desire a quick, decisive win that he can claim as his own, which clashes with Netanyahu's stated goal of completely dismantling Hamas and his government's maximalist war aims. Trump has pushed for humanitarian access and de-escalation in Gaza, backing new aid delivery systems. Netanyahu, on the other hand, has remained primarily committed to a hardline military campaign, often downplaying humanitarian concerns and the need for immediate ceasefires, which creates a divergence from Trump's desire for a swift resolution. A clear symbol of the fraying relationship was Trump's recent Middle East tour, which included visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE but conspicuously omitted Israel, despite Israeli lobbying. This is a stark contrast to his past visits and underscores a shift in priorities. India While the India-US relationship has generally strengthened over the past two decades, characterised by growing strategic convergence, Donald Trump's 'America First" approach and transactional diplomacy have introduced points of friction, particularly concerning trade. Trump has consistently criticised India for its high tariffs on American goods, even famously calling India the 'tariff king" and a 'big abuser" in global trade. This rhetoric is a direct consequence of his focus on trade deficits and what he perceives as unfair trade practices. Trump has advocated for and, in some cases, imposed 'reciprocal tariffs," meaning the US would charge the same tariff rates on imports from other countries as those nations impose on US exports. This has led to specific tariffs on Indian goods, even if temporarily paused for negotiations. The Trump administration is also likely to continue pushing India to reduce trade barriers and tariffs in various sectors, including agriculture, automobiles, and alcoholic beverages. Also, Trump's repeated public statements about mediating the 'ceasefire" between India and Pakistan this month have been a significant source of diplomatic friction. Indian officials have consistently maintained that this was a bilateral issue and rejected any third-party intervention. These claims have been seen in India as an attempt to undermine its diplomatic position. Trump's stricter immigration policies, including threats of higher tariffs on BRICS nations and increased deportations, can impact the Indian diaspora in the US and create friction in people-to-people ties. Europe and NATO Trump's relationship with Europe has been marked by significant tension and a clear divergence from decades of established transatlantic cooperation. His 'America First" policy directly challenges the bedrock principles of the post-World War II international order, leading to a palpable sense of unease and, at times, open frustration among European leaders. Trump has consistently and vociferously criticised European NATO members for not meeting their defence spending commitments (2% of GDP). He has threatened to withdraw US troops from Europe or even pull the United States out of NATO altogether if allies didn't increase their contributions, questioning the very mutual defence clause (Article 5) of the alliance. Beyond spending, Trump's overall disdain for multilateral institutions and his sometimes admiring tone towards Vladimir Putin have caused deep concern in Europe, particularly among Eastern European states bordering Russia. His approach has been seen as weakening the collective security framework that has protected Europe for decades. Trump has viewed the European Union as a protectionist entity that unfairly took advantage of the US. He imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU, citing national security concerns, which was met with retaliatory tariffs from the EU on American goods. He has also threatened significant tariffs on European automobiles, a major concern for Germany's powerful auto industry. Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change was met with widespread condemnation and disappointment across Europe, where climate action is a high priority. European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the accord and intensified their own climate policies. The US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, despite European efforts to salvage it, also created a major rift. European nations largely viewed the deal as crucial for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and saw the US withdrawal as destabilising. Trump's administration actively undermined the World Trade Organization (WTO) by blocking appointments to its appellate body, effectively paralysing its dispute settlement mechanism. Members of Trump's administration have sometimes publicly weighed in on European elections and policies, breaking diplomatic norms and further irritating European governments. Trump openly supported Brexit and even suggested other countries should leave the EU. Finding new friends, particularly in Middle East As certain old alliances have waned or become more nuanced, Trump has actively sought and cultivated new partnerships, often driven by economic opportunities and strategic interests. Qatar stands out as a prime example of such an emerging alliance. During a recent Middle East tour, Trump underscored a significant pivot in US strategy, prioritising economic deals and investments with wealthy Gulf states. Pentagon also announced on May 21 that it had officially accepted the luxury jet previously used by the Qatari royal family, a gift announced ahead of Trump's visit to the Middle East. From May 13 to 16, Trump undertook his first major international trip of his second term, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He was joined by a Republican delegation and several business chief executives, including senior adviser Elon Musk. The four-day tour primarily focused on securing business deals and investments in the United States, which Trump claimed could reach as high as $4 trillion, as well as lifting sanctions on the transitional government of Syria. Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the first time that the leaders had met since a meeting was convened between Bill Clinton and Hafez al-Assad in Geneva in 2000, and urged him to join the Abraham Accords. The United States announced over US$243 billion in deals with Qatar, including a US$1 billion defence agreement with Raytheon for Qatari counter-drone capabilities, a US$2 billion contract with General Atomics for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles, and US$38 billion for Al Udeid Air Base. Trump later attended a state dinner at Lusail Palace, where he appealed to Qatar to improve Iran–United States relations. When Trump arrived in Abu Dhabi on May 15, he became the second serving US president to visit the country. He toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan. The United Arab Emirates awarded Trump the Order of Zayed, the country's highest civil decoration. During the visit, the United States Department of Commerce announced a deal with the Emirates and Emirati artificial intelligence firm G42 to establish the largest data centre for artificial intelligence outside of the United States in Abu Dhabi. This burgeoning relationship with Gulf nations highlights several key aspects of Trump's foreign policy. It demonstrates his clear preference for 'the art of the deal" over traditional diplomatic engagements. The focus on massive economic commitments, job creation in the US, and strategic investments aligns perfectly with his 'America First" agenda. It signals a recalibration of US policy in the Middle East, moving away from an exclusive focus on long-standing security alliances towards a more transactional approach that seeks immediate and tangible benefits. Qatar, in particular, seems to have skillfully leveraged its position as a regional mediator and financial powerhouse, aligning its interests with Trump's transactional diplomacy to secure strategic partnerships and enhance its global standing. The deepening ties with Qatar reflect a foreign policy where economic incentives and pragmatic gains are increasingly at the forefront of US engagement. Trump has emphasised large economic agreements and investments with wealthy Gulf states, viewing them as key partners for trade and stability in the region. The Abraham Accords, brokered during his first term, also highlight this transactional approach to regional diplomacy. top videos View all Under the Trump administration, 'closest allies" are often defined less by long-standing diplomatic traditions and more by shared ideological alignment, economic benefits, and a willingness to align with US strategic interests on a transactional basis. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : donald trump elon musk Middle East pakistan Vladimir Putin Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 31, 2025, 08:30 IST News world Trump Stumps Old Allies: POTUS Looks To Bridge The 'Gulf' As Ties With Musk, Putin & India Suffer
New Indian Express
31 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
'When will PM break his silence?' Congress on Trump's truce claims
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday wondered when Prime Minister Narendra Modi would respond to US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly given more than an indication that it was he who brokered a truce between India and Pakistan during the latest armed conflict. In a series of posts on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tagged a video clip of Trump to say this is the 11th time in 21 days that Modi's "great friend" claimed he had a role to play in the ceasefire between the two neighbours. "When will the PM speak up?" he asked. Ramesh earlier said, "This is the 9th time in 20 days, across 3 countries and 3 cities. Donaldbhai keeps repeating the same sequence of events of how he got the 4-Day India-Pakistan war to stop - US intervention and the use of the trade instrument to stop nuclear escalation. The equivalence of India and Pakistan gets reiterated yet again. "Trump's Commerce Secretary made exactly the same claims in his submission to the New York-based Court of International Trade on May 23', the Congress leader said.
