Trump-Musk Feud Continues Over Budget Bill, ICE Tops 100K Arrests, More
The ongoing public spat between former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk escalated this week amid rising tensions over the latest federal budget bill, as immigration enforcement and other hot-button issues dominate the national political landscape.
Trump Slams Musk Over Budget Bill Comments
Donald Trump, the GOP’s presumptive nominee for the 2024 election, lashed out at Elon Musk on Truth Social late Thursday, accusing the Tesla and SpaceX CEO of spreading “misleading nonsense” about the new $1.7 trillion budget passed by Congress earlier this week.
Musk had criticized the bill for containing what he called “bloated and reckless” spending, singling out provisions for electric vehicle subsidies and renewable energy tax credits—ironically areas that benefit his own companies. He also warned that “America is headed for an economic wall unless someone takes a hard stance on fiscal responsibility.”
Trump responded sharply, saying, “Elon should worry about delivering cars and rockets, not how we save this country. He’s a globalist who wants handouts but cries foul when others get them.”
Musk replied in kind on X, formerly Twitter, with a post reading simply: “Crony capitalism is still crony capitalism—no matter who’s president.”
ICE Arrests Surge Past 100,000 in Fiscal Year
In a separate but politically charged development, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that it has surpassed 100,000 arrests for the fiscal year 2025 so far—a nearly 30% increase compared to the same period last year. Officials cite a targeted effort against repeat offenders and those with felony convictions, but civil rights groups have raised alarm over aggressive tactics and alleged racial profiling.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the agency’s operations during a press conference Friday. “We are enforcing the law as written and focusing on individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” he said.
Critics, however, argue that the Biden administration is trying to appease political opponents by ramping up enforcement ahead of a tight election season.
