Latest news with #Musk-made
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bette Midler celebrates selling her Tesla, ‘symbol of racism and greed'
Bette Midler is singing songs of joy after getting rid of her Tesla. 'What a joyful day!' the diva posted on Instagram and Bluesky. 'I sold my (gulp) Tesla!' Though Midler is known for her environmental advocacy, she celebrated ditching the electric vehicle, saying she sees Tesla as 'a symbol of racism, greed and ignorance' due to its association with CEO Elon Musk. Musk's deep-pocketed activism in U.S. politics and far-right messaging worldwide have made Tesla products a target for protesters ever since Jan. 20. President Donald Trump's 'first buddy' spent nearly $3 billion to put the president and his allies back in office, before joining in efforts to slash federal programs and cut government jobs. Midler, 79, has long been an outspoken advocate for liberal politics, and is often critical of Trump and Musk on social media. She abruptly stopped posting on X, which Musk owns, the day after Trump won reelection in November. 'Life is so much better!!!' she wrote on her remaining social media accounts while announcing she joined others in cutting ties with Tesla. Midler is not the first singer to publicly get rid of her Musk-made automobile. In February, Grammy Award-winner Sheryl Crow posted a video of her Tesla being towed away, while saying she was donating money from the sale to NPR. 'There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with,' Crow wrote on Instagram. 'So long Tesla.' Some Tesla owners who haven't sold their vehicles have reported altering them to obscure the cars' make and model out of fear of vandalism or being aligned with Musk. Tesla products and dealerships around the world have been spray painted, lit on fire and otherwise defaced by those who oppose Musk's controversial views. Tesla stock has also been negatively impacted since Musk turned his attention to politics. Trump has meanwhile used his office to encourage people to buy Teslas and warn that anyone who destroys them will be severely punished.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joan Baez Turns Serious On John Mulaney, Decrying 'Incompetent Billionaires' Running The Country
Singer-songwriter Joan Baez still has the fierce sense of outrage that's long fueled her career, and she gave voice to it, however briefly, last night on Netflix's Everybody's Live With John Mulaney. While Mulaney's talk show is built for humor, Baez prefaced her appearance on the guest couch with a sort of disclaimer. 'You said I could say anything I want out here,' Baez said to an agreeable Mulaney. 'We're all here to be silly and have fun, and as long as we recognize the fact that our democracy is going up in flames and we're being run by a bunch of really incompetent billionaires. That being said, ask anything you want…' More from Deadline MAGA Reporter Asks Irish Prime Minister Why Rosie O'Donnell Was Allowed To Move To His Country Ayo Edeberi Says She Got "Death Threats" After Elon Musk Shared Fake Story About Her Replacing Johnny Depp In 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Bill Burr Refers To Elon Musk As An "Idiot" & Chelsea Handler Questions Who Voted For Him While Baez didn't identify the 'incompetent billionaires,' the statement wasn't lost on anybody. In fact, she later mentioned that she once owned – and hated – a Tesla. 'I hated that thing,' Baez said of the Musk-made electric car, 'but I thought I was supposed to like it. So I drove off in it. Within 45 minutes I had smashed it into an oak tree on my property. I was thinking, 'That's a sign.'' Joan Baez sets the ground rules for her appearance on Everybody's Live with John Mulaney. #EverybodysLive #JoanBaez — LateNighter (@latenightercom) March 13, 2025 Best of Deadline How Jon Gries' Return To 'The White Lotus' Could Shape Season 3 Everything We Know About 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 So Far 'The Last Of Us' Season 2 Cast: Who Plays Who?
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cybertruck owners vent about mockery from Musk haters in their own Facebook group
As the protests against Tesla become more personal, Tesla Cybertruck owners have flocked to Facebook to complain about how Elon Musk-haters are taking out their issues with the tech billionaire on their electric vehicles. In the Facebook group 'Cybertruck Owners Only,' members describe how the public's rebuke of Musk, the world's richest person and a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, has impacted them personally. The Department of Government Efficiency, at Musk's direction, has upended the federal government in just six weeks through mass layoffs and slashed contracts, putting many on edge. Fellow Musk-made car owners vent about the mockery they've endured, like torched charging stations, other drivers flipping them off and hateful messages written on the back of their vehicles. 'Cybertruck ownership comes with… interesting fan mail,' one owner joked. They are also finding ways to fight back or double down on their position. Some members shared photos of Department of Government Efficiency stickers they slapped onto their electric cars. The stickers show a friendly-looking dog holding an American flag hanging over four letters: DOGE. 'Just got some new fridge stickers. A few of my neighbors seem a bit nervous about it now,' one user wrote. Some also have put stickers depicting middle fingers on the driver-side window of the car. One person shared a photo of his sticker flipping the bird and wrote: 'If you can think of a better way to spend $20 please let me know.' Others suggested contacting their Congress members for help. 'I am writing to seek your assistance in addressing the growing harassment, hostility, and violence directed toward Tesla owners across California and the United States. You may be aware of the increasing incidents involving vandalism, road rage, and targeted aggression toward individuals simply because they own and drive a Tesla,' one member wrote, sharing his letter. 'As both a concerned citizen and a 24-year retired military veteran, I find it deeply troubling that owning an American-made vehicle has made me—and many others—a target for unjustified hostility.' Others still suggest using the vehicle's 'Sentry Mode,' which records suspicious activity when the car is parked and locked. The owner can then use this footage to identify someone vandalizing their vehicle. Some posted videos of their cars being vandalized or kicked by passersby. One upset member, who had 'Cybercuck' written on her vehicle, wrote: 'What was meant to be a fun adventure has unfortunately turned into a fearful one, not because of the vehicle itself, but because of the overwhelming negativity from others.'
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Cybertruck owners vent about mockery from Musk haters in their own Facebook group
As the protests against Tesla become more personal, Tesla Cybertruck owners have flocked to Facebook to complain about how Elon Musk -haters are taking out their issues with the tech billionaire on their electric vehicles. In the Facebook group 'Cybertruck Owners Only,' members describe how the public's rebuke of Musk, the world's richest person and a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, has impacted them personally. The Department of Government Efficiency, at Musk's direction, has upended the federal government in just six weeks through mass layoffs and slashed contracts, putting many on edge. Fellow Musk-made car owners vent about the mockery they've endured, like torched charging stations, other drivers flipping them off and hateful messages written on the back of their vehicles. 'Cybertruck ownership comes with… interesting fan mail,' one owner joked. They are also finding ways to fight back or double down on their position. Some members shared photos of Department of Government Efficiency stickers they slapped onto their electric cars. The stickers show a friendly-looking dog holding an American flag hanging over four letters: DOGE. 'Just got some new fridge stickers. A few of my neighbors seem a bit nervous about it now,' one user wrote. Some also have put stickers depicting middle fingers on the driver-side window of the car. One person shared a photo of his sticker flipping the bird and wrote: 'If you can think of a better way to spend $20 please let me know.' Others suggested contacting their Congress members for help. 'I am writing to seek your assistance in addressing the growing harassment, hostility, and violence directed toward Tesla owners across California and the United States. You may be aware of the increasing incidents involving vandalism, road rage, and targeted aggression toward individuals simply because they own and drive a Tesla,' one member wrote, sharing his letter. 'As both a concerned citizen and a 24-year retired military veteran, I find it deeply troubling that owning an American-made vehicle has made me—and many others—a target for unjustified hostility.' Others still suggest using the vehicle's 'Sentry Mode,' which records suspicious activity when the car is parked and locked. The owner can then use this footage to identify someone vandalizing their vehicle. Some posted videos of their cars being vandalized or kicked by passersby. One upset member, who had 'Cybercuck' written on her vehicle, wrote: 'What was meant to be a fun adventure has unfortunately turned into a fearful one, not because of the vehicle itself, but because of the overwhelming negativity from others.'
The Independent
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Trump live: Elon Musk is not a DOGE employee and has no decision-making authority, White House filing reveals
Watch: Musk claims friends suffer from 'Trump derangement syndrome' Elon Musk claims friends suffer from 'Trump derangement syndrome' Elon Musk declared that "[Donald] Trump derangement syndrome" is real in a joint interview with the US president broadcast on Monday, 17 February. The billionaire father-of-12 and the Republican spoke to Fox News' Sean Hannity about the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Mr Musk compared reactions to Trump's name being mentioned at a friend's dinner party before the election to someone being "shot with a dart in the jugular that contained methamphetamine and rabies." His remarks came after White House court filings said Mr Musk's role in the Trump administration is that of a senior adviser to the president, and not as an employee of DOGE. Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 12:45 Republican lawmakers 'grumbling' about Musk's 'poorly executed' mass cuts It's not just pro-democracy campaigners who are unhappy. Here's Gustaf Kilander on growing GOP discontent. GOP lawmakers are 'grumbling' about Musk's 'poorly executed' mass government cuts 'It's not efficiency, it's not output,' one Republican senator griped Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 12:25 'No kings on Presidents' Day': Protesters rage against Trump and Musk Protesters in cities across America slammed Donald Trump and Elon Musk yesterday as the Presidents' Day holiday arrived in the wake of the DOGE dismantling of federal agencies. Activists, largely organized by the 50501 Movement and various branches of Indivisible, were honoring 'Not my Presidents Day.' Demonstrators chanted 'no kings on Presidents' Day' to protest the power grab by Trump and his billionaire hatchet man. Protesters gathered at various city halls, state capitols and outside Tesla showrooms packed with Musk-made cars. A sign in an office window above a Tesla dealership in San Francisco informed protesters about Musk: 'We hate him too.' Here's more. 'No kings on Presidents Day': Protesters rage across nation against Trump and Musk Demonstrators hit the streets to tear into dismantling of federal government Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 12:05 Transport Secretary Sean Duffy tries to shift blame for recent air disasters onto Pete Buttigieg Trump's new man in the hot seat has tried to shift the blame for the string of recent air disasters onto his Democratic predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, in the wake of cutting hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel. Duffy, confirmed to lead the department in the Senate late last month, revealed on Monday that the Trump administration fired 'less than 400' of the FAA's 45,000 employees. He also claimed all of them were serving probationary periods. The layoffs took place against a backdrop of three fatal U.S. air disasters since Trump's inauguration last month, in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Alaska – with another commercial plane carrying 80 people flipping over upon a crash landing at Canada's Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday. Here's more from James Liddell. Transport Sec Sean Duffy shifts blame for recent air disasters onto Pete Buttigieg 'Mayor Pete failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system,' Duffy says Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 11:45 Readers criticise Trump's 'simplistic' plan for peace in Ukraine We've been asking for your opinions on Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many readers shared concerns that Trump's plan is too simplistic, with several warning that leaving Kyiv out of the talks and pushing NATO aside could weaken Ukraine and encourage Putin to take more land. They argued that Trump's approach focuses on quick deals instead of long-term peace and could hurt international support for Ukraine. Some also criticised Trump for putting his own goals above global security. They stressed that any peace deal should protect Ukraine's independence and Europe's safety. Read the full debate and get involved in the conversation below. Trump's plan to talk directly with Putin to end the Ukraine war was slammed as risky for Ukraine's independence and Europe's safety, while a few supporters saw it as a fast fix Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 11:25 Trump loyalist Peter Navarro steering trade war Donald Trump loyalist Peter Navarro, senior counselor to the president for trade and manufacturing, is becoming an increasingly influential figure within the administration and guiding much of Trump's policies on trade, which are threatening rifts with America's allies, according to a new report. Navarro, a China hawk who served in the first Trump administration and was jailed for ignoring a January 6 subpoena last year, 'has been catapulted into the trade hot seat, orchestrating an early suite of tariffs and probes that bear the hallmarks of his particular enthusiasms,' writes The Financial Times. 'There is a clear premium put on loyalty in this administration,' a Washington lobbyist told the FT. 'And there's no doubting, whatsoever, Navarro's loyalty to Trump – that's why he'll always have a lot of influence.' The newspaper adds: 'Whereas in the last administration Navarro was often hamstrung by more free-market minded Trump advisers such as Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin or National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, he faces far less opposition in Trump 2.0. 'People familiar with the administration's inner workings say Navarro is working closely with Howard Lutnick, Trump's nominee for commerce secretary, and Jamieson Greer, the president's pick for trade representative.' Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 11:05 Starmer to meet Trump in Washington next week A Downing Street spokesman has said Sir Keir will seek to 'deepen the special relationship' on his first visit to Washington, D.C. since the new president's inauguration a month ago. Claudia Savage has more on Starmer's upcoming visit. Prime Minister to meet Donald Trump in Washington next week A No 10 spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer will seek to 'deepen the special relationship' with the new US president. Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 10:45 Trump must provide 'backstop' to deter Russia, Sir Keir Starmer says The British prime minister has thrown down the gauntlet to Donald Trump, calling for the U.S. to provide a 'backstop' to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again after meeting with European leaders for emergency talks on the war. Starmer said allies on the continent would have to step up in terms of both spending and capability as he spoke following talks with partners in Paris on Monday. While he said he would be prepared to put a peacekeeping force into Ukraine if there is a deal to end the war with Russia, Sir Keir said such a move would require there to be an American security guarantee to ensure Russia does not attack again. 'Europe must play its role, and I'm prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement', the PM told reporters after last night's meeting. 'But there must be a U.S. backstop, because a U.S. security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again.' Millie Cooke reports. Trump must provide 'backstop' to deter Russia, Starmer says The prime minister said a US security guarantee would be the only way to effectively prevent Moscow from attacking the country again in future Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 10:25 Trump 'wants 50% cut' of Ukraine's mineral riches in return for peace The president wants half the revenue from Ukraine's minerals and veto rights over licensing in return for providing security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, according to leaked documents. Trump previously said he wants Ukraine to pay for financial and military support by affording Washington access to the country's vast but untapped rare earth minerals. However, new documents show a deal between the two countries could expand U.S. access to Ukraine's ports, infrastructure, oil and gas. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready to do a deal with Trump that includes American involvement in developing Ukraine's huge deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals. James Liddell has more. Trump 'wants 50% cut' of Ukraine's mineral riches in return for peace Trump previously said he wants Ukraine to pay for US support by affording Washington access to the country's vast but untapped rare earth minerals Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 10:05 U.S. and Russian teams meeting in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine war peace talks Officials from the Trump administration and from Russian President Vladimir Putin's delegation are meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today for talks on ending Moscow's war in Ukraine. The war-hit European nation has said that no peace deal can be made on its behalf at the talks, to which it was not invited. The two sides are nevertheless expected to discuss ways to end the conflict as its third anniversary approaches. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow but that his trip is unrelated to the U.S.-Russia talks. You can follow the very latest updates from Andy Gregory on our sister blog. Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 09:45
