President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, once seen as close allies, are now at the heart of a political storm that’s tearing through the Republican base. Their clash is sending shockwaves through Washington, leaving lawmakers and supporters scrambling to pick sides.
This bitter feud revolves around Trump’s massive tax-and-spending legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), as reported by the Daily Mail. The multi-trillion-dollar package, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, aims to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay while boosting border security funds, but it also adds a staggering $3 trillion to the national debt.
Trump has demanded Congress finalize the bill by Independence Day this Friday, positioning it as a cornerstone of his agenda. However, Musk has fiercely opposed it, calling the legislation wasteful and vowing to challenge any Republican who supports it. This public rift has escalated tensions within the MAGA movement, exposing deep divisions over fiscal policy and loyalty.
Steve Bannon, a prominent MAGA figure and former Trump adviser, has come out swinging in defense of the president. He dismissed Musk as “a clown” more focused on protecting Tesla’s renewable energy subsidies than addressing the ballooning national debt. Bannon’s sharp criticism didn’t stop there, as he even suggested deporting Musk and nationalizing SpaceX.
Trump himself has fueled the fire, hinting he might “look into” Bannon’s deportation idea. The president also took aim at Musk’s reliance on U.S. energy subsidies, suggesting the billionaire could be forced to return to South Africa without them. These remarks underscore the personal nature of the feud, which has moved beyond policy disagreements.
Musk, in turn, didn’t hold back, labeling Bannon a “retarded liar” and predicting the MAGA commentator could soon face prison again after his prior contempt of Congress conviction. The Tesla CEO’s harsh words reflect his determination to stand firm against Trump’s legislative push. This exchange of insults has only deepened the rift, drawing more attention to the fractured Republican coalition.
Several Republican lawmakers are now navigating the treacherous waters of this high-profile conflict. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie has openly sided with Musk, praising the billionaire’s contributions to innovation and expressing fiscal concerns over the OBBB. Massie’s stance has drawn Trump’s ire, with the president branding him a “grandstander” and vowing to oust him in the next election cycle.
Trump’s threat to primary Massie isn’t new, though past efforts have failed to unseat the Kentuckian. Musk, however, has pledged to back Massie’s reelection, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the world’s most powerful man and its richest. This battle could become a litmus test for influence within the Republican Party.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who plans to retire at the end of his term, has also thrown his support behind Musk. After opposing the OBBB due to cuts in green energy and Medicaid funding, Tillis endorsed Musk’s concerns about U.S. lagging in renewable energy investment compared to China. Free from reelection pressures, Tillis faces little consequence for defying Trump, who publicly criticized him as making a “BIG MISTAKE” for North Carolina.
Elon Musk has taken his opposition to new extremes, threatening to start a new political party if Trump’s bill passes. This bold statement signals his frustration with the Republican establishment and willingness to disrupt the status quo. Such a move could further splinter the MAGA base, already strained by conflicting loyalties.
Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, another OBBB opponent, has expressed hope for reconciliation between Trump and Musk while echoing the billionaire’s concerns about runaway federal spending. Davidson, who voted against the bill in the House, recently posted about the dangers of unchecked government expenditure, likening it to “a fatal overdose.” His cautious stance suggests an attempt to balance respect for both figures without fully committing to either side.
Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza has called for a truce, urging Trump and Musk to set aside personal grievances for the party’s sake. “Trump and Musk are taking this too personally,” D’Souza wrote on Tuesday. He emphasized the need for a mediator to bridge their divide, warning that the conflict only benefits their political opponents.
The clash between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk centers on the contentious One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping multi-trillion-dollar package reshaping tax and spending policies. This feud, unfolding in Washington and across social media platforms, stems from deep disagreements over fiscal responsibility and personal loyalties within the MAGA movement. It has forced key Republican figures like Rep. Thomas Massie and Sen. Thom Tillis to choose sides, risking further division.
The stakes are high as Trump pushes for the bill’s passage by Independence Day, while Musk’s threats to fund challenges against supporters or even launch a new party loom large. The conflict’s resolution remains uncertain, with the potential to reshape party dynamics ahead of future elections. Both sides show no signs of backing down, amplifying the rift’s impact on national politics.
Looking ahead, the battle over Massie’s reelection could serve as a critical test of Trump and Musk’s influence within the Republican base. Upcoming votes on the OBBB in the House will also reveal how deep the fractures run. As this feud continues to unfold, its consequences could redefine the future of the MAGA coalition and the broader conservative movement.
President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies have led to a staggering milestone in U.S. customs revenue collection, sparking intense debate among economic experts about the long-term implications for American consumers and global trade relations.
According to Newsmax, customs revenue has surpassed $100 billion since Trump's return to the White House, with tariffs accounting for the majority of these collections.
The Customs and Border Protection documents reveal that since January 20, the total revenue from tariffs, taxes, and various fees has reached $106.1 billion, with an impressive $85.1 billion specifically coming from tariffs imposed on foreign nations conducting business with America.
The Treasury data demonstrates a remarkable 65% increase in collections for the current fiscal year through May compared to the previous year's figures during the same timeframe.
The Yale Budget Lab's analysis indicates that U.S. consumers are now facing an average effective tariff rate of 15.8%, marking the highest level since 1936, with projections showing a slight decrease to 14.7% after consumer behavior adjustments.
These numbers have exceeded initial expectations, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade adviser Peter Navarro's earlier predictions suggesting potential revenue of $300 billion from Trump's tariff policies.
Apollo Global Management's chief economist Torsten Slok has notably shifted his stance on the tariff strategy, acknowledging its potential benefits despite earlier warnings of a possible recession.
The administration's approach has demonstrated flexibility, with the possibility of reducing tariffs on major trading partners while maintaining revenue generation through strategic levy implementation.
Slok's analysis suggests that extending the reciprocal tariff deadline could result in annual revenues reaching $400 billion, while simultaneously appeasing international trade partners with reduced 10% tariff rates.
The unprecedented tariff rates have raised concerns about their effect on American consumer spending and international trade relationships.
The shift in consumer behavior patterns indicates that Americans are adapting to the new economic landscape, though questions remain about the long-term sustainability of such high tariff rates.
These developments have prompted discussions among international trade experts about the potential restructuring of global supply chains and the future of international commerce under the current U.S. trade policy.
The substantial increase in customs revenue has become a significant contributor to federal income, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. trade policy effectiveness.
The administration's strategic approach to tariff implementation has demonstrated the potential for generating substantial government revenue while maintaining leverage in international trade negotiations.
Under the current trajectory, customs revenue collections are expected to continue surpassing previous projections, potentially reshaping the landscape of U.S. trade relations and economic policy for years to come.
President Donald Trump and Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani have ignited a fierce political confrontation over the future of immigration enforcement in New York City. Their sparring marks a new flashpoint in the broader national debate over federal authority and local resistance.
According to Daily Caller, Trump declared that Mamdani “will have to be arrested” if he attempts to obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The president’s comments came in response to Mamdani’s pledge during his June 25 acceptance speech to block “masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors.”
Mamdani’s vow reflects the growing tension between progressive mayors and the Biden administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The nominee, who won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, argues that sanctuary protections are essential to protect immigrant communities from federal overreach.
“Well then we’ll have to arrest [Mamdani],” Trump said. “Look, we don’t need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I’m gonna be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money, we send him all the things that he needs to run a government.”
The president’s remarks underscore the administration’s readiness to deploy prosecutors against municipal leaders who defy federal immigration law. His warning represents a rare instance of a president openly threatening arrest of a political rival.
Border czar Tom Homan has repeatedly stated that any government official who obstructs ICE could face prosecution under federal law. His stance has prompted direct challenges from Democratic leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who dared the administration to follow through on its threats.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul similarly joined the chorus, accusing federal authorities of overstepping into state and local jurisdiction. These governors argue that sanctuary policies are crucial to maintaining trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has forged an unusual alliance with ICE, authorizing joint operations that have led to arrests and deportations of individuals the city deems public safety threats. Adams has framed his cooperation as a pragmatic response to what he calls an “immigration crisis” overwhelming city resources.
Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda and raised in Queens, brands himself a democratic socialist advocating rent freezes, government-run grocery stores and buses, and a $30 minimum wage. His platform resonates with progressives frustrated by soaring housing costs and economic inequality.
Critics, however, portray his proposals as economically unfeasible and ideologically extreme, arguing they would burden taxpayers and stifle private enterprise. Republican lawmakers have seized on his self-description as a “communist” to paint him as un-American.
Controversy has also swirled around Mamdani’s reluctance to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada,” which the Anti-Defamation League says can be interpreted as endorsing violence against Israel and Jewish institutions.
Conservative Rep. Andy Ogles has further urged the Justice Department to consider denaturalization proceedings after citing Mamdani’s rap lyric “Free the Holy Land Five/My guys,” linked to the Holy Land Foundation case.
The standoff between Trump and Mamdani spotlights the fraught interplay between federal immigration enforcement and city-level sanctuary policies. At stake is the balance of power between Washington and New York’s municipal government.
Trump’s ultimatum signals that the administration may prioritize prosecutions of outspoken local officials over more conventional immigration targets. Mamdani, meanwhile, appears poised to leverage his primary victory to advance his progressive agenda even in the face of legal threats.
As the general election approaches, New Yorkers will weigh whether Mamdani’s vision for a socialist city clashes too sharply with federal mandates. The outcome will test the limits of executive authority and could reshape the contours of American immigration policy.
President Donald Trump hinted at a drastic new target during a swamp-side tour, suggesting that American criminals born on U.S. soil could face the same fate as detained migrants. His remarks left many wondering whether constitutional protections might be tested.
According to Daily Mail, Trump spoke at a newly christened “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility in the Florida Everglades. He mused that home-grown offenders might soon join migrants in the high‐security camp.
Trump has floated deporting U.S. citizens convicted of crimes before, including a proposal in April to ship them to an El Salvadorian prison. Yet courts have consistently ruled that birthright citizenship bars such removal, suggesting his latest comments may be more political theatre than policy.
While touring the remote compound, Trump told reporters, “We also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time. Some of them were born in our country.” He paused, then added, “I think we ought to get them the hell out of here too, if you want to know the truth. So maybe that’ll be the next job.”
His suggestion represents a significant escalation from past rhetoric aimed solely at noncitizen offenders. Earlier this year, he proposed sending American convicts to a notorious prison in El Salvador, but offered few details on how to navigate legal barriers.
Administration aides describe Trump’s comments as an extension of his hard‐line stance on law and order. They say he hopes to underscore the facility’s power as both a deterrent and a demonstration of his commitment to public safety.
Nestled in the heart of the Everglades swamp, the temporary center sits roughly 37 miles from Miami and is ringed by dense vegetation, snakes and alligators. Officials tout its natural defenses as a virtually escape-proof perimeter.
“It is not a place I want to go hiking any time soon,” Trump quipped as he surveyed the site. “Very soon this facility will house some of the most menacing migrants, the most vicious people on the planet. We’re surrounded by miles of swamp land and the only way out is deportation.”
Trump revealed plans for additional sites, saying Florida would get a second camp “and probably a couple more,” with several more envisioned in other states. He likened the design to a modern Alcatraz, praising its longevity and isolation.
Democrats quickly condemned the site as a makeshift prison camp unfit for any detainees. They argue that the tent-and-trailer complex violates human rights norms and risks exacerbating tensions along the southern border.
Environmental advocates voiced alarm over potential harm to fragile wetlands, while Native American leaders staged protests, decrying the seizure of sacred land without proper consultation. They warn that the facility could damage culturally significant sites.
Built in just seven days at an annual cost of $450 million, the camp can hold up to 3,000 inmates but consists solely of tents and trailers. The land was taken from Miami-Dade County after state authorities overrode local objections.
President Trump, alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, plans to monitor the facility’s operations closely as detainees arrive. He insists the center will serve as both a deterrent and a detention hub.
Located at the former Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the camp’s adjacent 11,000-foot runway offers a rapid deportation route. DeSantis has said it could be used to fly undocumented immigrants to third countries when removal is ordered.
Opponents have vowed legal challenges, with lawsuits expected over citizenship rights, environmental impact, and land seizures. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration is reviewing proposals for similar sites nationwide as part of its broader immigration enforcement strategy.
A terrifying moment at 36,000 feet left nearly 200 passengers gripping their seats in fear when a Spring Airlines flight from Shanghai to Tokyo was forced into an emergency descent. The unexpected plunge caused oxygen masks to fall and cabin crew to shout over cries, with one passenger recalling how they began drafting their will mid-air.
According to the Daily Mail, the Boeing 737 suddenly dropped almost 26,000 feet on Monday due to a suspected issue with the plane's pressurization system. Pilots diverted the flight to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, where the aircraft landed safely with all 191 passengers uninjured.
The flight, which originated at Shanghai Pudong Airport and was bound for Tokyo Narita Airport, descended from cruising altitude to under 10,500 feet in just ten minutes. Passengers said the experience felt like a nightmare in the sky, with oxygen masks dangling and tears flowing.
As the cabin began losing pressure, flight attendants scrambled to calm passengers and guide them to safety protocols. “I heard a muffled boom, and the oxygen mask fell off in a few seconds,” one passenger told the Associated Press. “The stewardess cried and shouted to put on the oxygen mask, saying the plane had a malfunction.”
Another traveler recounted the emotional toll of those frantic moments, stating they were “on the verge of tears” while writing their will and scribbling down their insurance and bank PINs. Videos later surfaced showing the shaken passengers wearing masks and clinging to their seats.
Though the cause of the cabin depressurization remains unknown, Spring Airlines confirmed that pilots took immediate action and coordinated with air traffic controllers to initiate an emergency landing. Passengers onboard were visibly shaken but physically unharmed.
After the plane was safely redirected to Osaka, Spring Airlines offered passengers a financial apology—15,000 yen, roughly $104, along with one night of hotel accommodation. While some accepted the gesture quietly, others felt the compensation did not match the trauma they had endured.
The airline has not yet commented on whether the specific aircraft involved had any known technical issues prior to the flight. Authorities have launched an investigation into what caused the incident, and Boeing has not yet issued a statement regarding the mechanical concerns.
Spring Airlines, a low-cost Chinese carrier, operates multiple daily international flights across Asia, and the Boeing 737 is one of the most common aircraft types in its fleet. The incident raises fresh concerns about aircraft safety and emergency preparedness aboard budget airlines.
The Spring Airlines scare came just days after another flight emergency involving an American Airlines jet that caught fire mid-air above Las Vegas. The aircraft, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, had just departed from Harry Reid International Airport when one of its engines caught fire, trailing black smoke as terrified passengers watched.
Like the Spring Airlines flight, the American Airlines crew diverted the aircraft safely back to the departure airport. Footage captured by witnesses showed flames spurting from the engine as it returned for an emergency landing. Officials confirmed that all 153 passengers and six crew members were unharmed.
These back-to-back incidents have revived anxiety about aircraft safety, particularly involving widely used aircraft models like the Boeing 737. Regulatory agencies are expected to scrutinize both events in the coming weeks.
Investigators are now examining whether a mechanical or technical malfunction led to the pressurization failure aboard the Spring Airlines flight. Aviation experts stress that while emergency descents are designed to protect passengers, they are also rare and typically signal a significant system fault.
The rapid drop in altitude was executed by pilots to ensure breathable air pressure in the cabin. Commercial aircraft are pressurized to simulate lower altitudes at cruising height, and any failure in that system could lead to dangerous hypoxia within minutes.
Spring Airlines has not revealed how long the aircraft involved had been in service or when it was last inspected. Aviation authorities in both China and Japan are expected to collaborate in determining the root cause.
Sebastian Telfair, a former NBA point guard once hailed as a high school prodigy, is facing prison time after allegedly failing to meet the terms of his court-mandated supervised release.
According to the Daily Caller, Telfair was ordered by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni to report to prison on Aug. 12. The judge found that he had not completed his court-ordered community service and had missed mandatory meetings with the U.S. Probation Office, thus violating the conditions of his release.
Telfair had previously been handed a suspended sentence in connection with a widespread scheme that defrauded the NBA Players Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. His failure to abide by the release conditions has now triggered a six-month prison term, bringing renewed scrutiny to both his legal case and his fall from grace.
The broader case, in which Telfair is one of multiple defendants, involves fraudulent insurance claims filed by former NBA players. Prosecutors allege that the defendants submitted fake invoices to extract funds from the league’s health benefit system. The charges represent a significant breach of trust for a program designed to support player health and well-being after retirement.
The scandal first drew national attention when it was revealed that dozens of former athletes participated in the scheme. Telfair’s name stood out due to his status as a once-prominent draft pick and the significant income he earned during his NBA career. Sportico has previously reported that the scheme ran for years and involved numerous fake documents submitted to health care providers.
Telfair’s legal issues began with his indictment in the fraud case, but it was his behavior during supervised release that ultimately triggered the prison sentence. Court documents detail repeated absences from probation meetings and a failure to complete community service hours—key conditions for avoiding jail time.
Judge Caproni didn’t mince words when handing down the sentence. She noted that Telfair’s violations were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of neglect. The six-month prison sentence reflects what the court viewed as a willful disregard for the leniency he had previously been granted.
“The court gave you an opportunity to avoid prison,” Caproni reportedly said during Thursday’s hearing. “You failed to take that opportunity seriously.”
Caproni added that Telfair’s status as a former professional athlete did not excuse his actions or entitle him to preferential treatment. She emphasized that all defendants must meet the terms of their release or face consequences. Telfair’s attorneys argued that logistical challenges and miscommunications contributed to the missed appointments.
At age 40, Telfair’s current situation stands in stark contrast to the promise he once showed. He entered the NBA straight from Brooklyn’s Abraham Lincoln High School and was picked 13th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He went on to play ten seasons across several teams and earned over $19 million in salary during that time.
Telfair was part of the last wave of high school players allowed to jump directly to the NBA before league rules changed. He was seen as a trailblazer, appearing on magazine covers and garnering media attention for his flashy play and deep New York roots.
But Telfair’s career never reached the heights many expected, and legal troubles in recent years have further overshadowed his legacy. The fraud case is not his first brush with the law—he’s faced previous charges unrelated to this case, including weapons possession.
Telfair is now scheduled to report to federal prison on Aug. 12, where he will serve six months for violating the terms of his release. He joins a growing list of former NBA players ensnared in federal investigations related to fraud and financial misconduct.
The case against Telfair is part of a larger federal probe into abuse of the NBA’s health plan, with more than a dozen former players already facing charges or sentencing. The investigation is ongoing, and additional names could surface as prosecutors continue to examine financial records and health claims.
Telfair’s future beyond his prison term remains uncertain. While some former athletes involved in similar scandals have made public apologies or attempted career pivots, Telfair has yet to speak publicly about the court’s decision. What comes next for the once-promising star remains to be seen.
Elon Musk just took another swing at Washington’s political establishment, launching a blistering attack against President Donald Trump’s megabill and calling for the formation of a new political party to challenge what he calls a broken system.
According to The Hill, Musk denounced the $5 trillion Senate reconciliation bill as “insane spending” and labeled the current U.S. political landscape a “one-party country — the PORKY PIG PARTY!!” The billionaire tech mogul, who owns X, said it's time for a party “that actually cares about the people.”
The bill, which would raise the debt ceiling by a record amount, is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. Despite being touted by Trump as a “big, beautiful bill,” the legislation has drawn criticism from some fiscal conservatives — and now, Musk.
Once the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk had championed deep spending cuts and bureaucratic reform. But since stepping away from the administration last month, he’s made clear that he views the megabill as a betrayal of those goals.
In multiple posts on X, Musk called the bill “utterly insane” and “political suicide” for the Republican Party. He claimed the legislation not only undoes DOGE’s efforts but also exposes the GOP’s willingness to embrace massive spending increases.
Musk also singled out members of the House Freedom Caucus, notably Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), saying, “How can you call yourself the Freedom Caucus if you vote for a DEBT SLAVERY bill?” His criticism sparked immediate backlash from Republican loyalists.
Musk’s condemnation of the bill has reignited speculation about his third-party ambitions. Earlier this month, he launched a poll on X asking whether Americans would support a new political party, proposing the name “The America Party.”
He pitched the party as a voice for “the 80% in the middle,” suggesting it would offer an escape from the polarized politics of Democrats and Republicans. The post quickly gained traction among centrists and independents, though some critics dismissed it as a vanity project.
Political analysts say Musk’s idea could tap into voter discontent, but note that third-party efforts historically struggle to gain national traction. Without formal infrastructure or policy backing, many see “The America Party” as more concept than movement — for now.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are engaged in a marathon “vote-a-rama” to push the reconciliation bill toward final passage. The White House has set a Friday deadline to get the legislation to Trump’s desk, framing it as essential for national growth.
The Senate version of the bill would raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion — nearly $1 trillion more than the version passed by the House. That difference, along with the total deficit increase, has drawn scrutiny from budget watchdogs.
Despite Musk’s criticism, most Republicans are standing by the bill. They argue it delivers key investments in defense, infrastructure, and tax reform. Still, some lawmakers are privately concerned about the long-term fiscal impact and political fallout.
Elon Musk’s public opposition to Trump’s megabill — and his revival of third-party ambitions — could significantly disrupt the 2026 political landscape. No longer inside the White House, he’s positioning himself as an independent power player with a massive platform.
By attacking the GOP’s fiscal stance and promoting “The America Party,” Musk could draw support from disillusioned voters across the spectrum. Whether that translates into real political movement or remains a social media storm remains to be seen.
As the Senate races toward a critical vote and Musk doubles down on his criticism, the battle lines are shifting. Trump may get his legislation passed, but the growing divide with Musk could fracture conservative unity heading into the next election cycle.