The growing rift between former US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has turned into an open feud. Trump threatened to cancel government contracts and subsidies to Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, while Musk called for Trump’s impeachment and hinted at releasing damaging information. Their fallout could impact the 2024 US election, with Musk possibly funding anti-Trump Republicans. Although Trump tried to tone down the heat later, the dispute continues to dominate American political discourse.

A heated dispute has erupted between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, shifting from rumored tensions to open threats. Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s government contracts, particularly SpaceX deals, while Musk retaliated by urging Trump’s impeachment and hinting at explosive information related to Jeffrey Epstein. Tesla shares plummeted, and speculation mounts over Musk’s possible support for Trump’s rivals. The feud, marked by insults and strategic blows, could significantly disrupt American politics as both sides refuse to back down.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation on Thursday to address escalating trade tensions and tariff disputes. The call, initiated by Trump, follows recent accusations from Washington that Beijing violated a tariff-reduction agreement. China denies the claims and threatens retaliation. The call has sparked cautious optimism among investors. Though past efforts have faltered, both sides continue to navigate complex issues including Taiwan, fentanyl trade, and China's state-driven economy. Their last face-to-face meeting was in 2019.

President Donald Trump has barred new international students from enrolling at Harvard University for the next six months through an executive order, which the university slammed as an unlawful, retaliatory act. Harvard accused the administration of violating its constitutional rights and pledged to protect international students. The move follows a series of punitive actions by the Trump administration, including funding cuts and political accusations. Trump also imposed travel bans on citizens from 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven more.

The United Nations General Assembly has elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for a two-year term. The newly elected countries are:

Bahrain

Colombia

Congo

Latvia

Liberia

These nations will join the Security Council, the only UN body empowered to make legally binding decisions on matters such as sanctions and military action. The council’s five permanent members — the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France — each hold veto power.

In the vote count, Bahrain received 186 votes, Congo 183, Liberia 181, Colombia 180, and Latvia 178.

Elon Musk has fiercely criticized Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that dangerously inflates the U.S. budget deficit. Musk’s remarks come after his abrupt departure from the administration and signal a serious rift within Republican ranks. The bill, which includes extended tax cuts and increased defense spending, could add $600 billion to the deficit next year and raise the debt ceiling to $4 trillion. Musk warned voters to oust unfaithful politicians in the upcoming elections.

At least six people were injured in Colorado, USA, when pro-Israel protesters were targeted with a petrol bomb during a demonstration demanding the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The FBI has labeled the attack a “deliberate act of terrorism” and launched an investigation. Video footage shows an individual with a spray can chanting, “Down with Zionists,” “Free Palestine,” and “They are murderers.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the existing 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum will be doubled to 50%, effective Wednesday.
Trump stated that this measure will revive the domestic steel industry, enhance national self-reliance, and reduce dependence on China.
Speaking at a rally, he said, “There will be no layoffs, no outsourcing—and every American steelworker will soon receive a $5,000 bonus.”
He further revealed a $14 billion investment in steel production in the Pittsburgh region through a joint venture between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any actions that could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran. "I told him this is not the right time," said Trump. "We are making good progress with Iran, and I believe they are willing to reach a deal. If we succeed, many lives could be saved."

The US Court of International Trade in New York has suspended tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from several countries. The court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing retaliatory tariffs. The decision follows two lawsuits filed over the issue. In response, the Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal.

Elon Musk has announced the end of his term as a “special government employee,” a role he assumed under the Trump administration in January to head the Office of Government Efficiency (DoGE). “I believe this cost-cutting agency can become integral across the government,” said Musk. Thanking President Donald Trump for entrusting him with this responsibility, Musk stated he is stepping down as his official tenure ends. He expressed hope that the agency would grow stronger over time.

The Trump administration has directed all U.S. embassies to halt scheduling interviews for student and exchange visitor visas until further notice. A letter from the State Department stated that no additional appointments should be made. On the same day, the administration also announced the termination of all federal financial agreements with Harvard University, which were worth approximately $100 million.

A U.S. court has temporarily suspended the Trump administration’s policy to block foreign student admissions at Harvard University. The decision came after Harvard challenged the administration in court, alleging that the policy was part of a broader agenda to undermine academic independence. With the court’s intervention, foreign students can now continue to apply for admission without restrictions.

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to its decision to revoke the university’s right to admit foreign students. The lawsuit claims the move is a “clear violation of the law.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced that Harvard must stop admitting international students and transfer those already enrolled or risk their loss of legal status. Observers link the decision to backlash over Harvard students’ protests in support of Palestine and condemnation of Israeli actions.

Joe Lopez, a firmware engineer at Microsoft, was fired after interrupting CEO Satya Nadella’s speech at the company’s annual developer conference. Lopez shouted, “Satya, show us how Microsoft is helping kill Palestinians. Show us Azure’s role in Israel’s war crimes.” Security promptly escorted him out of the event, and Microsoft later terminated his employment.