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Donald Trump gets a change of heart again on Elon Musk, says he had a really-really bad ...

Donald Trump gets a change of heart again on Elon Musk, says he had a really-really bad ...

Time of India4 days ago
It seems the US President Donald Trump cannot make up his mind on the world's richest man Elon Musk. Tesla CEO and Donald Trump have had something of an on-again-off-again relationship in the past few months -- from being Trump's "first buddy" to sharing barbs and criticism publicly. In the latest twist to the 'Frenemy tale', Trump was asked by reporters that a Gallup poll has called
Elon Musk
one of the most-unpopular people in the country right now. if he misses having Elon Musk around White House. To this, Trump replied that he thinks Elon Musk is a nice guy and seemingly referring to his public tiff with him, he said that he believes that "he had a bad moment, a really-really bad moment".
From attending Thanksgiving dinner at Trump's house, to announcing new party to counter him
At the outset of President Donald Trump's second term, Tesla CEO Elon Musk emerged as a prominent figure by the president's side, serving as the de facto head of the White House's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a bold initiative aimed at slashing federal spending. Musk's influence extended far beyond administrative duties, with the New York Times reporting that he attended "almost every meeting and many meals" with Trump, acting as both an advisor and confidant. Musk's presence was notable during high-profile diplomatic engagements, including Trump's calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago club, where Musk appeared to have taken up residence.
"Elon won't go home," Trump quipped to NBC News. "I can't get rid of him." The duo's bond grew personal, with Musk joining Trump for Thanksgiving dinner and hitting the golf course alongside the president's grandchildren, where Kai Trump affectionately dubbed him an "uncle."
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However, cracks in their alliance surfaced by May 2025, when Musk announced he would scale back political involvement to focus on his businesses.Tensions escalated in June over the controversial "Big, Beautiful Bill." Musk publicly slammed the legislation as "utterly insane," sparking a war of words with Trump as the Republican deadline for passage loomed. When Trump signed the bill into law in early July, Musk took a dramatic step, announcing the formation of a new political party. In response, Trump remarked that his former ally had gone "off the rails," signaling a public unraveling of their once-close relationship. As Musk charts a new political course, the fallout with Trump underscores the volatility of their partnership, leaving observers to question the future influence of the billionaire entrepreneur in Washington.
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Zelenskyy's off-ramp
Zelenskyy's off-ramp

Time of India

time18 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Zelenskyy's off-ramp

Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. There are no good options for Ukraine in Trump-Putin talks, but some may be better than others Friday will likely be wet in Alaska when Trump and Putin meet to discuss an end to the Ukraine war. The venue might make Putin wistful, for Alaska, like Ukraine, was once part of the Russian empire, sold to America in 1867 for 2 cents an acre. But the former KGB Lt Col is famously inscrutable, and when asked if he would annex Alaska after Crimea, in 2014, replied: 'What would you need Alaska for?' Alaska's either too cold for Putin, or as a realist, he accepts its status as a fait accompli. Likewise with Crimea. He's held it since a choreographed referendum in 2014, and considers it a fait accompli for the rest of the world. Europe doesn't, but Trump, whose politics are 100% transactional, might for a deal, which has become a matter of prestige for him. In April, he told Time: 'Crimea will stay with Russia…Zelenskyy understands that.' But a Russian Crimea isn't a fait accompli for Zelenskyy. On Saturday, he made it clear that his people 'will not gift their land to the occupier'. It's a position that Indians can appreciate. Although Pakistan illegally occupied a part of Kashmir over 75 years ago, India will never sign it off. There's a very clear distinction between de facto and de jure possession. Ukraine's seal on Crimea's Russian occupation will permanently end its claim on it. And this is a likely sticking point in whatever deal Trump and Putin thrash out. From Zelenskyy's point of view, the fact that he's been left out of the negotiations, is equally problematic. His people have fought Russia at great national cost for over 40 months. To now buy peace on Russian terms – endorsed by Trump – would be galling. But that might be the only peace on offer when Russia has been gaining ground. Putin's reportedly offered to end hostilities if Ukraine gives up Donetsk and Luhansk as well. Zelenskyy's in an unenviable position. If he rejects a Trump-brokered deal, he might find US military and other aid cut off. Fighting has already taken a heavy toll – Ukraine's GDP is where it was in 2008, and one of the lowest in Europe. He can swallow the bitter pill now, and take his country on a path of growth, backed by his Western friends. It's an unpalatable fait accompli, but also a realistic off-ramp for his country. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.

Trump slammed as 'insecure' for hiding Obama, Bush White House portraits
Trump slammed as 'insecure' for hiding Obama, Bush White House portraits

Hindustan Times

time18 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Trump slammed as 'insecure' for hiding Obama, Bush White House portraits

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US Vs BRICS: Why Did Donald Trump Go Silent After Threatening India With An 8-Hour Ultimatum?
US Vs BRICS: Why Did Donald Trump Go Silent After Threatening India With An 8-Hour Ultimatum?

India.com

time18 minutes ago

  • India.com

US Vs BRICS: Why Did Donald Trump Go Silent After Threatening India With An 8-Hour Ultimatum?

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