Elon Musk's influence over the federal government grows, leading to concerns from Democrats over potential conflicts of interest and power consolidation.

Elon Musk tightens grip on federal government, democrats raise alarms

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared on Monday (Feb 3) that he had been put in charge of the US aid agency, saying he would stop its "insubordination" to President Donald Trump's agenda.
"I'm the acting director of USAID," Rubio told reporters on a visit to El Salvador, saying that the agency had not answered questions and "that level of insubordination makes it impossible to conduct a sort of serious review."
In another development, the headquarters of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC, was reportedly shut, with staff instructed to remain at home. This move comes as US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump&rsquo;s</a> administration takes further steps towards the agency&rsquo;s possible closure.
According to Devex, a media platform focused on global development, employees received emails late on Sunday night advising them not to report to work the next day. Devex obtained a copy of the email, which was sent to USAID staff based at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790">President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
The message, apparently from &ldquo;senior leadership,&rdquo; was sent just a day after the agency&rsquo;s website was taken offline and shortly after its security director, John Voorhees, along with a deputy, were placed on &ldquo;administrative leave&rdquo; following an incident where they physically prevented the Doge team from accessing restricted areas.
Following this, Doge reportedly gained control over the building&rsquo;s access system, which allowed them to lock out staff and access emails. Additionally, the department sought personnel records and turnstile data, sources claimed.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
The Sunday night email stated, &ldquo;Agency personnel normally assigned to work at USAID headquarters will work remotely tomorrow, with the exception of personnel with essential on-site and building maintenance functions individually contacted by senior leadership.&rdquo;
<h2>Trump agrees to proposal to shut down USAID: Elon Musk</h2>
On Monday morning, Elon Musk, who has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the federal government, stated on X that the president had agreed to his proposal to shut down USAID. The agency oversees nearly $43 billion in food, humanitarian, and other aid across approximately 130 countries.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-near-for-american-aid-agencies-as-usaid-website-goes-offline-amid-trumps-freeze-on-foreign-aid-8684258">End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid</a>
Musk, a billionaire who has frequently labelled USAID a &ldquo;criminal organisation&rdquo; that is &ldquo;beyond repair,&rdquo; said that he had extensively discussed the shutdown plan with Trump, who confirmed his approval.
&ldquo;I actually checked with him a few times [and] said, &lsquo;Are you sure?&rsquo; And so we&rsquo;re shutting it down,&rdquo; Musk was quoted as saying by The Washington Post.
USAID is the world&rsquo;s largest single donor of humanitarian assistance. In the 2023 fiscal year, the US provided $72 billion in global aid. In 2024, the agency contributed 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.
Trump has implemented a worldwide freeze on most US foreign aid as part of his &ldquo;America First&rdquo; policy, a decision that is already having significant repercussions globally. Democrats and other critics have strongly opposed the targeting of USAID by Musk and the Trump administration.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-halts-funding-to-bangladesh-under-usaid-after-trumps-90-day-pause-on-all-foreign-aid-8655603">US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid</a>
&ldquo;No one elected Elon Musk. As Donald Trump allows Musk to access people&rsquo;s personal information and shut down government funding, Republicans in Washington will also own the consequences. We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,&rdquo; wrote Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on X.
Sources familiar with discussions regarding the agency&rsquo;s future informed Reuters on Friday that Trump and Musk are working on a plan to merge USAID and its current $42.8 billion humanitarian budget into the State Department.
(With inputs from agencies)

World:  Elon Musk, who has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the federal government, stated on X that the president had agreed to his proposal to shut down USAID. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared on Monday (Feb 3) that he had been put in charge of the US aid agency, saying he would stop its "insubordination" to President Donald Trump's agenda. "I'm the acting director of USAID," Rubio told reporters on a visit to El Salvador, saying that the agency had not answered questions and "that level of insubordination makes it impossible to conduct a sort of serious review." In another development, the headquarters of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC, was reportedly shut, with staff instructed to remain at home. This move comes as US President Donald Trump’s administration takes further steps towards the agency’s possible closure. According to Devex, a media platform focused on global development, employees received emails late on Sunday night advising them not to report to work the next day. Devex obtained a copy of the email, which was sent to USAID staff based at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk The message, apparently from “senior leadership,” was sent just a day after the agency’s website was taken offline and shortly after its security director, John Voorhees, along with a deputy, were placed on “administrative leave” following an incident where they physically prevented the Doge team from accessing restricted areas. Following this, Doge reportedly gained control over the building’s access system, which allowed them to lock out staff and access emails. Additionally, the department sought personnel records and turnstile data, sources claimed. Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk The Sunday night email stated, “Agency personnel normally assigned to work at USAID headquarters will work remotely tomorrow, with the exception of personnel with essential on-site and building maintenance functions individually contacted by senior leadership.” Trump agrees to proposal to shut down USAID: Elon Musk On Monday morning, Elon Musk, who has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the federal government, stated on X that the president had agreed to his proposal to shut down USAID. The agency oversees nearly $43 billion in food, humanitarian, and other aid across approximately 130 countries. Also read: End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid Musk, a billionaire who has frequently labelled USAID a “criminal organisation” that is “beyond repair,” said that he had extensively discussed the shutdown plan with Trump, who confirmed his approval. “I actually checked with him a few times [and] said, ‘Are you sure?’ And so we’re shutting it down,” Musk was quoted as saying by The Washington Post. USAID is the world’s largest single donor of humanitarian assistance. In the 2023 fiscal year, the US provided $72 billion in global aid. In 2024, the agency contributed 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations. Trump has implemented a worldwide freeze on most US foreign aid as part of his “America First” policy, a decision that is already having significant repercussions globally. Democrats and other critics have strongly opposed the targeting of USAID by Musk and the Trump administration. Also read: US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid “No one elected Elon Musk. As Donald Trump allows Musk to access people’s personal information and shut down government funding, Republicans in Washington will also own the consequences. We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” wrote Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on X. Sources familiar with discussions regarding the agency’s future informed Reuters on Friday that Trump and Musk are working on a plan to merge USAID and its current $42.8 billion humanitarian budget into the State Department. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director

Billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, said on Monday (Feb 3) that President Donald Trump agrees that the US Agency for International Development needs to be &ldquo;shut down&rdquo;.
&ldquo;With regards to the USAID stuff, I went over it with (the president) in detail and he agreed that we should shut it down,&rdquo; Musk said in an X Spaces conversation.
Musk said that he discussed with Trump &ldquo;a few times&rdquo; if he wanted to shut down the agency and got confirmation from him.
"It became apparent that it's not an apple with a worm in it," Musk said. "What we have is just a ball of worms. You've got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It's beyond repair. ... We're shutting it down."
USAID works towards humanitarian relief and development across the world, dispensing billions annually.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-team-now-can-access-us-treasurys-payment-system-what-does-it-mean-8684195">Elon Musk team now can access US Treasury's payment system? What does it mean</a>
<h2>&lsquo;Criminal organisation&rsquo;</h2>
Earlier on Sunday (Feb 2), Musk attacked the agency, saying it is a &lsquo;criminal organisation&rsquo; and also suggested that it is wasteful spending. The billionaire leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is tasked to reduce government spending.
&ldquo;USAID is a criminal organisation,&rdquo; Musk wrote on his platform X in response to a video alleging USAID is involved in &ldquo;rogue CIA work&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/feels-like-a-hostile-takeover-federal-employees-concerned-as-trump-aide-musks-allies-lock-them-out-of-key-systems-8682197">'Feels like a hostile takeover': Federal employees 'concerned' as Musk allies lock them out&nbsp;of&nbsp;key&nbsp;systems</a>
In another post, the biggest supporter of the Republican wrote, &ldquo;Did you know that USAID, using YOUR tax dollars, funded bioweapon research, including Covid-19, that killed millions of people?&rdquo;
Musk did not elaborate on the allegations.
<h2>&lsquo;Run by radical lunatics&rsquo;</h2>
Trump has also expressed a similar opinion on the matter, saying that USAID has &ldquo;been run by a bunch of radical lunatics.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re getting them out... and then we&rsquo;ll make a decision (on its future),&rdquo; Trump said Sunday (Feb 2).&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-fans-boo-us-national-anthem-after-trump-imposes-tariffs-8685916">Canadian fans boo US national anthem after Trump imposes tariffs</a>
The US president also showed support for the billionaire, telling reporters that he feels Musk is &ldquo;doing a good job&rdquo;.
<h2>Uncertainty for agency</h2>
Trump initially froze aid spending for three months. Although he issued waivers for food and other humanitarian aid to go on, aid workers have expressed that uncertainty looms over the future of the organisation as an independent agency.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nonsense-north-korea-slams-us-over-rogue-state-remark-in-first-public-denunciation-of-trump-administration-8685826">'Nonsense': North Korea slams US over 'rogue state' remark in first public denunciation of Trump administration</a>
On Saturday (Feb 1) the website of USAID went offline without giving any explanation.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Elon Musk said that he discussed with President Donald Trump “a few times” if he wanted to shut down the agency and got confirmation from him. 

Billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, said on Monday (Feb 3) that President Donald Trump agrees that the US Agency for International Development needs to be “shut down”. “With regards to the USAID stuff, I went over it with (the president) in detail and he agreed that we should shut it down,” Musk said in an X Spaces conversation. Musk said that he discussed with Trump “a few times” if he wanted to shut down the agency and got confirmation from him. "It became apparent that it's not an apple with a worm in it," Musk said. "What we have is just a ball of worms. You've got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It's beyond repair. ... We're shutting it down." USAID works towards humanitarian relief and development across the world, dispensing billions annually. Also read | Elon Musk team now can access US Treasury's payment system? What does it mean ‘Criminal organisation’ Earlier on Sunday (Feb 2), Musk attacked the agency, saying it is a ‘criminal organisation’ and also suggested that it is wasteful spending. The billionaire leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is tasked to reduce government spending. “USAID is a criminal organisation,” Musk wrote on his platform X in response to a video alleging USAID is involved in “rogue CIA work”. Also read | 'Feels like a hostile takeover': Federal employees 'concerned' as Musk allies lock them out of key systems In another post, the biggest supporter of the Republican wrote, “Did you know that USAID, using YOUR tax dollars, funded bioweapon research, including Covid-19, that killed millions of people?” Musk did not elaborate on the allegations. ‘Run by radical lunatics’ Trump has also expressed a similar opinion on the matter, saying that USAID has “been run by a bunch of radical lunatics. “We’re getting them out... and then we’ll make a decision (on its future),” Trump said Sunday (Feb 2). Also read | Canadian fans boo US national anthem after Trump imposes tariffs The US president also showed support for the billionaire, telling reporters that he feels Musk is “doing a good job”. Uncertainty for agency Trump initially froze aid spending for three months. Although he issued waivers for food and other humanitarian aid to go on, aid workers have expressed that uncertainty looms over the future of the organisation as an independent agency. Also read | 'Nonsense': North Korea slams US over 'rogue state' remark in first public denunciation of Trump administration On Saturday (Feb 1) the website of USAID went offline without giving any explanation. (With inputs from agencies)

President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk

Elon Musk states that DOGE (Dogecoin) is causing delays in Treasury payments to U.S. contractors, raising concerns about cryptocurrency's impact on government financial systems and transactions.

Elon Musk claims DOGE halting treasury payments to US contractors

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday (Feb 2) hilariously reacted to the State Department&rsquo;s &lsquo;trans&rsquo; search result suggesting &lsquo;Trains&rsquo; and said, &ldquo;That train has left&rdquo;.
A viral post on X has drawn attention to the State Department's website after a user claimed that searching for the word "trans" returned the suggestion, "Did you mean trains?"
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-releases-video-of-us-airstrike-on-is-targets-in-somalia-8684137">Trump releases video of US airstrike on IS targets in Somalia</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Elon Musk responds</h2>
The post quickly gained traction, with billionaire Elon Musk responding with a "🚂" emoji.
The post sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from mockery to observations about shifting government priorities. One user quipped, &ldquo;The government finally prioritizing infrastructure over identity politics&mdash;progress!&rdquo; Another joked about the ambiguity, writing, &ldquo;Did you mean transformers?&rdquo;
The reactions come amid a sweeping directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under President Donald Trump, which ordered federal agencies to remove gender-related references from government websites.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-near-for-american-aid-agencies-as-usaid-website-goes-offline-amid-trumps-freeze-on-foreign-aid-8684258">End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Trump bans transgender from US military</h2>
Earlier, Trump signed an executive order to bar transgender people from the military on Monday (Jan 27). This was one of the four orders he signed aboard Air Force One while travelling from Florida to Washington. The US president ordered the Pentagon to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes as well.
"To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military. It's going to be gone," Trump said while addressing a retreat with House Republicans.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Elon Musk humorously addressed a State Department search mishap involving the word trans, jokingly suggesting trains as the intended search result.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday (Feb 2) hilariously reacted to the State Department’s ‘trans’ search result suggesting ‘Trains’ and said, “That train has left”. A viral post on X has drawn attention to the State Department's website after a user claimed that searching for the word "trans" returned the suggestion, "Did you mean trains?" Also read | Trump releases video of US airstrike on IS targets in Somalia Elon Musk responds The post quickly gained traction, with billionaire Elon Musk responding with a "🚂" emoji. The post sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from mockery to observations about shifting government priorities. One user quipped, “The government finally prioritizing infrastructure over identity politics—progress!” Another joked about the ambiguity, writing, “Did you mean transformers?” The reactions come amid a sweeping directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under President Donald Trump, which ordered federal agencies to remove gender-related references from government websites. Also read | End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid Trump bans transgender from US military Earlier, Trump signed an executive order to bar transgender people from the military on Monday (Jan 27). This was one of the four orders he signed aboard Air Force One while travelling from Florida to Washington. The US president ordered the Pentagon to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes as well. "To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military. It's going to be gone," Trump said while addressing a retreat with House Republicans. (With inputs from agencies)

‘That train has left’: Musk reacts after US State Department's 'trans' search result suggests 'trains'

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team have been granted access to the US Treasury Department's payment systems, The New York Times reported.&nbsp;
It comes after a standoff between Musk's team and a top Treasury official David Lebryk, who refused to give access to the department's payment system.&nbsp;
The official was later put on leave and then retired after the dispute.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-turns-washingtons-doge-office-into-his-bedroom-8678366" rel="dofollow"> Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom</a>
US Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat) confirmed the news in a post on Bluesky, saying, "Sources tell my office that Treasury Secretary Bessent has granted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/doge" rel="dofollow">DOGE </a>*full* access to this system. Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, and payments to government contractors, including those that compete directly with Musk's own companies. All of it."&nbsp;
The billionaire's allies, who were granted access to the payment systems, were reportedly made employees of the department and underwent government vetting and received security clearances.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doge-chief-musk-wants-to-delete-irs-and-people-agree-with-him-779792" rel="dofollow">DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him</a>
The Treasury Payments system controls more than USD 6 trillion annually and handles key functions including Social Security benefits, tax refunds and federal employee salaries.&nbsp;
As the Musk team has now access to the system, the Trump administration could restrict the disbursement of money approved by Congress for specific purposes, according to a New York Times report.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-and-ramaswamy-led-doge-plan-to-stop-work-from-home-for-federal-employees-777953" rel="dofollow">Musk and Ramaswamy led DOGE plan to stop work-from-home for federal employees</a>
<h2>Critics react&nbsp;</h2>
Democrats have criticised the move, stressing political interference in the Treasury's payment systems.&nbsp;
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) in a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent said, "To put it bluntly, these payment systems simply cannot fail, and any politically motivated meddling in them risks severe damage to our country and the economy."
Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) called for an investigation into the matter, pointing to the dangers of allowing Musk's team to oversee payments that affect millions of US citizens.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: It comes after a standoff between Musk's team and a top Treasury official David Lebryk, who refused to give access to the department's payment system. 

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team have been granted access to the US Treasury Department's payment systems, The New York Times reported. It comes after a standoff between Musk's team and a top Treasury official David Lebryk, who refused to give access to the department's payment system. The official was later put on leave and then retired after the dispute. Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom US Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat) confirmed the news in a post on Bluesky, saying, "Sources tell my office that Treasury Secretary Bessent has granted DOGE *full* access to this system. Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, and payments to government contractors, including those that compete directly with Musk's own companies. All of it." The billionaire's allies, who were granted access to the payment systems, were reportedly made employees of the department and underwent government vetting and received security clearances. Also read: DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him The Treasury Payments system controls more than USD 6 trillion annually and handles key functions including Social Security benefits, tax refunds and federal employee salaries. As the Musk team has now access to the system, the Trump administration could restrict the disbursement of money approved by Congress for specific purposes, according to a New York Times report. Also read: Musk and Ramaswamy led DOGE plan to stop work-from-home for federal employees Critics react Democrats have criticised the move, stressing political interference in the Treasury's payment systems. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) in a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent said, "To put it bluntly, these payment systems simply cannot fail, and any politically motivated meddling in them risks severe damage to our country and the economy." Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) called for an investigation into the matter, pointing to the dangers of allowing Musk's team to oversee payments that affect millions of US citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk team now can access US Treasury's payment system? What does it mean

Aides to Elon Musk, who have been put in charge of the US government's human resources agency, have reportedly blocked career civil servants from accessing computer systems containing the personal details of millions of federal employees, according to sources cited by Reuters.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-for-free-speech-advocacy-billionaire-turns-down-offer-8678649" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'free speech advocacy', billionaire turns down offer</a>
Since taking office just 11 days ago, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a> has launched an extensive revamp of the government, dismissing hundreds of civil servants to reduce bureaucracy. 
Musk, tasked by Trump with cutting down the civilian government workforce, which consists of 2.2 million employees, has wasted no time in appointing allies to key positions within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Two officials, who spoke to Reuters anonymously due to fear of retaliation, revealed that some senior career employees at OPM have had their access revoked to certain data systems. These include the Enterprise Human Resources Integration database, which holds sensitive information such as dates of birth, Social Security numbers, home addresses, pay grades, appraisals, and length of service of government workers.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-administration-pulls-plug-on-funding-of-condoms-in-gaza-elon-musk-reacts-8664246" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts</a>
"We have no visibility into what they are doing with the computer and data systems," one official told Reuters. 
"That is creating great concern. There is no oversight. It creates real cybersecurity and hacking implications," they added.
While affected officials can still access functions such as email, they are now unable to view the extensive datasets covering all aspects of the federal workforce.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-turns-washingtons-doge-office-into-his-bedroom-8678366">Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom</a>
<h2>'It feels like a hostile takeover'</h2>
A team comprising current and former Musk employees took charge of OPM on 20th January, the day of Trump&rsquo;s inauguration. One OPM employee told Reuters that sofa beds have been set up on the fifth floor of the agency&rsquo;s headquarters, which houses the director&rsquo;s office and requires either a security badge or an escort for access. The beds were installed so the team could work around the clock, one employee said. "It feels like a hostile takeover," the employee told Reuters.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Elon Musk, tasked by Trump with cutting down the government workforce, has wasted no time in appointing allies to key positions within the Office of Personnel Management.

Aides to Elon Musk, who have been put in charge of the US government's human resources agency, have reportedly blocked career civil servants from accessing computer systems containing the personal details of millions of federal employees, according to sources cited by Reuters. Also read: Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'free speech advocacy', billionaire turns down offer Since taking office just 11 days ago, President Donald Trump has launched an extensive revamp of the government, dismissing hundreds of civil servants to reduce bureaucracy. Musk, tasked by Trump with cutting down the civilian government workforce, which consists of 2.2 million employees, has wasted no time in appointing allies to key positions within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Two officials, who spoke to Reuters anonymously due to fear of retaliation, revealed that some senior career employees at OPM have had their access revoked to certain data systems. These include the Enterprise Human Resources Integration database, which holds sensitive information such as dates of birth, Social Security numbers, home addresses, pay grades, appraisals, and length of service of government workers. Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts "We have no visibility into what they are doing with the computer and data systems," one official told Reuters. "That is creating great concern. There is no oversight. It creates real cybersecurity and hacking implications," they added. While affected officials can still access functions such as email, they are now unable to view the extensive datasets covering all aspects of the federal workforce. Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom 'It feels like a hostile takeover' A team comprising current and former Musk employees took charge of OPM on 20th January, the day of Trump’s inauguration. One OPM employee told Reuters that sofa beds have been set up on the fifth floor of the agency’s headquarters, which houses the director’s office and requires either a security badge or an escort for access. The beds were installed so the team could work around the clock, one employee said. "It feels like a hostile takeover," the employee told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

'Feels like a hostile takeover': Federal employees 'concerned' as Musk allies lock them out of key systems

Tesla CEO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-has-meta-agreed-to-pay-25-mn-to-us-president-trump-8669842">Elon Musk</a> has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for advocating free speech by European Parliament member Branko Grims.&nbsp;
Grims said that a petition for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO&rsquo;s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize had been submitted to the Norwegian Nobel Committee for Musk's contribution to the human rights of freedom of speech and peace.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-turns-washingtons-doge-office-into-his-bedroom-8678366" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom</a>
<h2>'I don't want any prize'</h2>
However, Musk turned down the offer, saying that he was not interested in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want any prizes," Musk responded.&nbsp;
The billionaire is known for his outspoken behaviour, and his views on censorship and on the controversial acquisition of X.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-sam-altman-donald-trump-stargate-project-8656146" rel="dofollow">Musk's decade-old rivalry with Sam Altman creates hitch between Tesla CEO and Trump</a>
How Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and its rebranding of X, has been seen as a revolutionary move in restoring speech.&nbsp;
As Musk took control of the X, he reversed bans on prominent conservative voices, rolled back content moderation policies and placed a strong emphasis on upholding free expression.&nbsp;
On the contrary, he has also witnessed criticism with some people accusing X of fostering information and harassment.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-news-today-joins-germany-afd-rally-germans-to-move-beyond-past-guilt-amid-nazi-salute-controversy-8654678" rel="dofollow">'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt'</a>
<h2>Netizens react&nbsp;</h2>
Musk's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize has raised criticism on social media.&nbsp;
Some of the people pointed out that being nominated for such an award, does not hold much weight, as anyone can propose a nominee, and it's a process filled with questionable choices each year.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, others said that platforms like Twitter, now X, still censor certain topics&mdash;citing the ongoing debates about terms like &ldquo;cisgender.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: Billionaire Elon Musk turned down the offer made by European Parliament member Branko Grims, saying that he was not interested in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for advocating free speech by European Parliament member Branko Grims. Grims said that a petition for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize had been submitted to the Norwegian Nobel Committee for Musk's contribution to the human rights of freedom of speech and peace. Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom 'I don't want any prize' However, Musk turned down the offer, saying that he was not interested in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. “I don’t want any prizes," Musk responded. The billionaire is known for his outspoken behaviour, and his views on censorship and on the controversial acquisition of X. Also read: Musk's decade-old rivalry with Sam Altman creates hitch between Tesla CEO and Trump How Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and its rebranding of X, has been seen as a revolutionary move in restoring speech. As Musk took control of the X, he reversed bans on prominent conservative voices, rolled back content moderation policies and placed a strong emphasis on upholding free expression. On the contrary, he has also witnessed criticism with some people accusing X of fostering information and harassment. Also read: 'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt' Netizens react Musk's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize has raised criticism on social media. Some of the people pointed out that being nominated for such an award, does not hold much weight, as anyone can propose a nominee, and it's a process filled with questionable choices each year. Meanwhile, others said that platforms like Twitter, now X, still censor certain topics—citing the ongoing debates about terms like “cisgender.” (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'free speech advocacy', billionaire turns down offer

Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his dedication to work in US President Donald Trump's administration, to new heights, as he is reportedly living in the Department of Government Efficiency's (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/doge" rel="dofollow">DOGE</a>) headquarters in Washington DC, according to the American magazine WIRED.&nbsp;
Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the &nbsp;Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House.&nbsp;
Musk also claimed that he was invited to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom, however, he chose to stay in the DOGE headquarters.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-administration-pulls-plug-on-funding-of-condoms-in-gaza-elon-musk-reacts-8664246" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts</a>
Reportedly, he made this decision to avoid a more formal relationship with Trump's team, after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him office space in the West Wing, Daily Mail reported.&nbsp;
The world's richest man has been constantly showing dedication and commitment toward newly-sworn in president Trump and his administration.&nbsp;
He is also known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding the same work ethics from his employees.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-sued-soon-after-trumps-inauguration-8639018" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk's DOGE sued soon after Trump's inauguration</a>
Musk's primary role with the DOGE is to reduce unnecessary government spending. 'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President&rsquo;s Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement. 'A good start, though this number needs to increase to &gt; $3 billion/day.'
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doge-chief-musk-wants-to-delete-irs-and-people-agree-with-him-779792" rel="dofollow">DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him</a>
<h2>Musk slept at Tesla factory&nbsp;</h2>
During the early days of Tesla, Musk slept on the factory floor during busy days, saying that it allowed his employees to see their leader's dedication.&nbsp;
"This is important because if the team thinks their leader is off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island... they knew I was there, and that made a huge difference," he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World, trending: Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the  Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House. 

Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his dedication to work in US President Donald Trump's administration, to new heights, as he is reportedly living in the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) headquarters in Washington DC, according to the American magazine WIRED. Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House. Musk also claimed that he was invited to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom, however, he chose to stay in the DOGE headquarters. Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts Reportedly, he made this decision to avoid a more formal relationship with Trump's team, after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him office space in the West Wing, Daily Mail reported. The world's richest man has been constantly showing dedication and commitment toward newly-sworn in president Trump and his administration. He is also known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding the same work ethics from his employees. Also read: Elon Musk's DOGE sued soon after Trump's inauguration Musk's primary role with the DOGE is to reduce unnecessary government spending. 'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President’s Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement. 'A good start, though this number needs to increase to > $3 billion/day.' Also read: DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him Musk slept at Tesla factory During the early days of Tesla, Musk slept on the factory floor during busy days, saying that it allowed his employees to see their leader's dedication. "This is important because if the team thinks their leader is off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island... they knew I was there, and that made a huge difference," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom

The Donald Trump administration's recent freeze on all foreign aid included a surprising cut, of $50 million in US funding for condoms in Gaza.
A White House official revealed that a memo from the Office of Management and Budget is set to temporarily suspend grants, loans, and federal assistance programmes while they undergo review, according to a Fox News report.&nbsp;
The official, while speaking to the media outlet, said, "If the activity is not in conflict with the President's priorities, it will continue with no issues. This is similar to how HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) stopped the flow of grant money to the World Health Organisation after President Trump announced the US withdrawal from the organisation. Or how the State Department halted several million dollars going to condoms in Gaza this past weekend."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-opens-for-social-media-influencers-under-trump-20-8663906">Also read: White House opens for social media influencers under Trump 2.0</a>
<h2>Elon Musk reacts</h2>
Expressing doubts over the funding of condoms in Gaza by the previous government, Elon Musk, leader of the US Department of Government Efficiency, suggested that it might have ended up in the wrong hands, possibly with Hamas.
Musk took to his platform X and called the move the &ldquo;tip of the iceberg&rdquo;.
&ldquo;My guess is that a lot of that money ended up in the pockets of Hamas, not actually condoms.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6hqx50c-qoplspvl-4o11o5s0">
My guess is that a lot of that money ended up in the pockets Hamas, not actually condoms
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1884329088040722724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
"Yes, even in the unlikely event that the money was actually spent on condoms, we should NOT be sending US taxpayer money to buy condoms for foreigners," he said in another post.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6hqxpnm-hhdf8z32-g1jroe3n">
Yes, even in the unlikely event that the money was actually spent on condoms, we should NOT be sending US taxpayer money to buy condoms for foreigners 🤦&zwj;♂️
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1884329854528807104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
One of the users claimed the condoms were being used to transport improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and incendiary materials, potentially harming Israeli citizens.
To this, Musk replied, saying, &ldquo;Explains why all the condom orders were magnum."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6hqynkf-fnsd30e9-3b4hhn95">
Elon Musk chimes in: &lsquo;Explains why all condom orders were &ldquo;Magnum&rdquo; 😂&rsquo; When the absurdity meets policy: $50M of U.S. funds tied to &lsquo;condoms in Gaza&rsquo; goes far beyond satire. <a href="https://t.co/Rr97QvX6U7">https://t.co/Rr97QvX6U7</a>
&mdash; Entrepreneur (@WallSTQuon) <a href="https://twitter.com/WallSTQuon/status/1884419245381169236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls it 'preposterous waste of money'</h2>
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her first briefing, deemed the move a &ldquo;preposterous waste of taxpayer money," stating that "there was about to be $50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza".
&ldquo;That's what this pause is focused on&mdash;being good stewards of tax dollars,&rdquo; she added.
The move to pause all foreign aid came as an effect of US President Donald Trump's executive order, "Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid", which he signed after taking charge of the White House on January 20.
"No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an internal memo.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Expressing doubts over the funding of condoms in Gaza by the previous government, Elon Musk, leader of the US Department of Government Efficiency, suggested that it might have ended up in the wrong hands.

The Donald Trump administration's recent freeze on all foreign aid included a surprising cut, of $50 million in US funding for condoms in Gaza. A White House official revealed that a memo from the Office of Management and Budget is set to temporarily suspend grants, loans, and federal assistance programmes while they undergo review, according to a Fox News report. The official, while speaking to the media outlet, said, "If the activity is not in conflict with the President's priorities, it will continue with no issues. This is similar to how HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) stopped the flow of grant money to the World Health Organisation after President Trump announced the US withdrawal from the organisation. Or how the State Department halted several million dollars going to condoms in Gaza this past weekend." Also read: White House opens for social media influencers under Trump 2.0 Elon Musk reacts Expressing doubts over the funding of condoms in Gaza by the previous government, Elon Musk, leader of the US Department of Government Efficiency, suggested that it might have ended up in the wrong hands, possibly with Hamas. Musk took to his platform X and called the move the “tip of the iceberg”. “My guess is that a lot of that money ended up in the pockets of Hamas, not actually condoms.” My guess is that a lot of that money ended up in the pockets Hamas, not actually condoms — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025 "Yes, even in the unlikely event that the money was actually spent on condoms, we should NOT be sending US taxpayer money to buy condoms for foreigners," he said in another post. Yes, even in the unlikely event that the money was actually spent on condoms, we should NOT be sending US taxpayer money to buy condoms for foreigners 🤦‍♂️ — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025 One of the users claimed the condoms were being used to transport improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and incendiary materials, potentially harming Israeli citizens. To this, Musk replied, saying, “Explains why all the condom orders were magnum." Elon Musk chimes in: ‘Explains why all condom orders were “Magnum” 😂’ When the absurdity meets policy: $50M of U.S. funds tied to ‘condoms in Gaza’ goes far beyond satire. https://t.co/Rr97QvX6U7 — Entrepreneur (@WallSTQuon) January 29, 2025 US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls it 'preposterous waste of money' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her first briefing, deemed the move a “preposterous waste of taxpayer money," stating that "there was about to be $50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza". “That's what this pause is focused on—being good stewards of tax dollars,” she added. The move to pause all foreign aid came as an effect of US President Donald Trump's executive order, "Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid", which he signed after taking charge of the White House on January 20. "No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an internal memo. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday (Jan 28) said that US President Donald Trump had asked him to facilitate the return of the two Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been on the space station since June 2024, as soon as possible.
Musk called out former President Joe Biden's administration as "terrible" for leaving the duo "stranded"&nbsp;at the International Space Station (ISS) for&nbsp;so long, even though NASA had already roped in SpaceX months ago to return both astronauts as part of its Crew-9 mission.
"The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so. Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long," Musk wrote on X.
Also read | US President Trump offers federal employees to quit with eight months severance
<h2 dir="ltr">NASA says the pair is not &lsquo;stranded&rsquo;</h2>
NASA had earlier determined that the duo would come home on Dragon because of lingering uncertainties surrounding Starliner.
NASA leadership repeatedly stressed on multiple forums that Wilmore and Williams were not &ldquo;stranded,&rdquo; but that the Starliner didn&rsquo;t have enough assurances around it to support a crewed trip back to Earth.
Also read | Trump to meet Netanyahu at White House on Feb 4, Israel PM's office confirms
<h2 dir="ltr">Sunita Williams says &lsquo;she&rsquo;s trying to remember how to walk&rsquo;</h2>
Astronaut Sunita Williams, while speaking to students from Needham High School on January 27, said she is trying to remember how to walk as she awaits her return to Earth in spring.
Williams, a native of Needham, a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, shared what it was like living on the space station.
She said, &ldquo;I've been up here long enough right now I've been trying to remember what it's like to walk. I haven't walked. I haven't sat down. I haven't laid down. You don't have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are right here,&rdquo; reported People Magazine.
Also read | Maha Kumbh and stampedes: A look at the deadly history of world's largest religious gathering
Williams admitted that she didn&rsquo;t expect to be stuck in space for such a long time.
"We knew that it would be probably a month or so, honestly. But the extended stay was just a little bit different,&rdquo; she said.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are expected to return in March 2025 as NASA&rsquo;s SpaceX Crew-10 mission has been rescheduled.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Elon Musk announced that President Trump requested his help to bring back astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the space station promptly.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday (Jan 28) said that US President Donald Trump had asked him to facilitate the return of the two Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been on the space station since June 2024, as soon as possible. Musk called out former President Joe Biden's administration as "terrible" for leaving the duo "stranded" at the International Space Station (ISS) for so long, even though NASA had already roped in SpaceX months ago to return both astronauts as part of its Crew-9 mission. "The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so. Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long," Musk wrote on X. Also read | US President Trump offers federal employees to quit with eight months severance NASA says the pair is not ‘stranded’ NASA had earlier determined that the duo would come home on Dragon because of lingering uncertainties surrounding Starliner. NASA leadership repeatedly stressed on multiple forums that Wilmore and Williams were not “stranded,” but that the Starliner didn’t have enough assurances around it to support a crewed trip back to Earth. Also read | Trump to meet Netanyahu at White House on Feb 4, Israel PM's office confirms Sunita Williams says ‘she’s trying to remember how to walk’ Astronaut Sunita Williams, while speaking to students from Needham High School on January 27, said she is trying to remember how to walk as she awaits her return to Earth in spring. Williams, a native of Needham, a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, shared what it was like living on the space station. She said, “I've been up here long enough right now I've been trying to remember what it's like to walk. I haven't walked. I haven't sat down. I haven't laid down. You don't have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are right here,” reported People Magazine. Also read | Maha Kumbh and stampedes: A look at the deadly history of world's largest religious gathering Williams admitted that she didn’t expect to be stuck in space for such a long time. "We knew that it would be probably a month or so, honestly. But the extended stay was just a little bit different,” she said. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are expected to return in March 2025 as NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission has been rescheduled. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump orders Musk to bring astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore home

Elon Musk has caused waves once again, this time with his surprise video address to a rally of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland) party on January 25. Watch in for more details!

Germany Snap Elections: Elon Musk tells Germans to rally support for far-right AfD

Elon Musk Backs Germany’s Far-right Afd Party, Says ‘Best For Country’s Future’

Elon Musk addressed Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, endorsing its nationalist sentiments and critiquing multiculturalism. Watch this report for more details!

Germany: Elon Musk addresses AfD campaign launch event

Elon Musk has caused waves once again, this time with his surprise video address to a rally of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland) party on January 25.

2025 Germany elections: After 'Nazi salute', Musk joins German far-right campaign

2025 Germany elections: Musk addresses AfD campaign launch event

The long-standing feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has once again reignited, this time due to Musk's criticism of the artificial intelligence project Stargate. Watch in for more details!

Elon Musk calls 'Stargate' announcement 'fake'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) introduced a plan to invest $500 billion in creating new Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres across the United States. In this proposal, big names in the tech industry, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, were also together.
All three executives credit Trump for the project, and Altman said to him that it would not be possible without "Mr President". The project was started under the Biden administration.&nbsp;
Trump replied to the executives by praising the "high-quality people" working on the project. The project is what the second Trump administration wishes to accomplish, but some of the members of the administration seemed not so happy with the announcement.&nbsp;
WATCH: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-sam-altman-feud-over-stargate">Elon Musk &amp; Sam Altman feud over Stargate</a>
Soon after the announcement of the project, Trump's ally and Altman's former ally, Elon Musk, had a public outburst. The billionaire, leading the newly formed DOGE department under Trump, spent days on social media claiming that neither OpenAI nor SoftBank has sufficient funds to invest. He was also seen firing jabs at Altman, who was once an ally of the X owner and now an enemy.&nbsp;
In a post announcing the project by the OpenAI on Musk-owned X, the billionaire replied, "They don&rsquo;t have the money." He further said, &ldquo;SoftBank has well under $10bn secured. I have that on good authority.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-in-talks-with-multiple-people-over-buying-tiktok-8655469">US President Donald Trump in talks with multiple people over buying TikTok</a>
Musk even called the announcement fake and termed Altman a "grifter". This was the latest in the rivalry between Musk and Altman, who once founded Open AI together, and just after that, Musk left the company.&nbsp;
But Musk's argument was in total contradiction to Trump's praise for the project. And no one was ready for it after Musk's massive support for the Republican in the 2024 presidential election.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-says-uk-pm-keir-starmer-elon-musk-criticism-8655008">Trump says UK PM Starmer is doing 'very good job' despite 'first buddy' Elon Musk's criticism</a>
Trump, in response to the criticism by Musk, said on Thursday (Jan 23), "The people in the deal are very, very smart people &ndash; but Elon, one of the people he happens to hate. But I have certain hatreds of people too."&nbsp;
Moreover, as per a report by Politico, Trump's staff are "furious" with Elon Musk. &ldquo;The problem is, the president doesn&rsquo;t have any leverage over him, and Elon gives zero f***s," says one of the staff members to the news agency.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-news-today-joins-germany-afd-rally-germans-to-move-beyond-past-guilt-amid-nazi-salute-controversy-8654678">'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt'</a>
Former Trump aide and Maga guru, Steve Bannon, called Musk &ldquo;out of control." He added that Musk "should not reverse" what Trump has already promised.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The project is what the second Trump administration wishes to accomplish, but some of the members of the administration seemed not so happy with the announcement. 

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) introduced a plan to invest $500 billion in creating new Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres across the United States. In this proposal, big names in the tech industry, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, were also together. All three executives credit Trump for the project, and Altman said to him that it would not be possible without "Mr President". The project was started under the Biden administration. Trump replied to the executives by praising the "high-quality people" working on the project. The project is what the second Trump administration wishes to accomplish, but some of the members of the administration seemed not so happy with the announcement. WATCH: Elon Musk & Sam Altman feud over Stargate Soon after the announcement of the project, Trump's ally and Altman's former ally, Elon Musk, had a public outburst. The billionaire, leading the newly formed DOGE department under Trump, spent days on social media claiming that neither OpenAI nor SoftBank has sufficient funds to invest. He was also seen firing jabs at Altman, who was once an ally of the X owner and now an enemy. In a post announcing the project by the OpenAI on Musk-owned X, the billionaire replied, "They don’t have the money." He further said, “SoftBank has well under $10bn secured. I have that on good authority.” Also read: US President Donald Trump in talks with multiple people over buying TikTok Musk even called the announcement fake and termed Altman a "grifter". This was the latest in the rivalry between Musk and Altman, who once founded Open AI together, and just after that, Musk left the company. But Musk's argument was in total contradiction to Trump's praise for the project. And no one was ready for it after Musk's massive support for the Republican in the 2024 presidential election. Also read: Trump says UK PM Starmer is doing 'very good job' despite 'first buddy' Elon Musk's criticism Trump, in response to the criticism by Musk, said on Thursday (Jan 23), "The people in the deal are very, very smart people – but Elon, one of the people he happens to hate. But I have certain hatreds of people too." Moreover, as per a report by Politico, Trump's staff are "furious" with Elon Musk. “The problem is, the president doesn’t have any leverage over him, and Elon gives zero f***s," says one of the staff members to the news agency. Also read: 'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt' Former Trump aide and Maga guru, Steve Bannon, called Musk “out of control." He added that Musk "should not reverse" what Trump has already promised. (With inputs from agencies)

Musk's decade-old rivalry with Sam Altman creates hitch between Tesla CEO and Trump

Elon Musk & Sam Altman feud over Stargate

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> has praised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his performance, describing it as "very good thus far." He also noted their "very good relationship" during comments given to the BBC on Saturday (Jan 25).
When asked about their interactions, Trump mentioned they were scheduled to hold a phone conversation within 24 hours. The two leaders have previously met several times, including when Sir Keir visited Trump Tower in New York during the US presidential campaign.
"I get along with him well. I like him a lot. He's liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he's a very good person and I think he's done a very good job thus far," Trump said of Sir Keir.
"He's represented his country in terms of philosophy. I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him," he added.
Aso read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-us-has-not-stopped-military-aid-to-kyiv-8654837" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ukraine war: Zelensky says US has not stopped military aid to Kyiv</a>
Following Trump&rsquo;s re-election last November, Sir Keir and the US president spoke on the phone. At the time, Downing Street stressed the strength of the UK&mdash;US relationship, saying it remained "incredibly strong" and would "continue to thrive."
<h2>Elon Musk's criticism of Sir Keir Starmer</h2>
Despite Trump's positive comments, billionaire Elon Musk, and self-appointed 'first buddy' of the US president, has been sharply critical of Sir Keir Starmer. Musk has frequently called for the UK leader's removal and has used his social media platform X to voice his opposition.
Earlier this month, Musk publicly criticised Sir Keir in connection with the grooming gangs scandal, accusing the prime minister of being "deeply complicit in the mass rapes in exchange for votes." Sir Keir, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, rejected the accusations, calling them "lies and misinformation" and adding he had addressed prosecutions "head-on."
Musk&rsquo;s disputes with Sir Keir&rsquo;s government are not new. He has previously referred to Britain as a &ldquo;police state&rdquo; due to its handling of the Southport riots, which led to violent street clashes during the summer. Musk has repeatedly criticised Starmer on X while expressing support for Reform UK, a political party.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-news-today-joins-germany-afd-rally-germans-to-move-beyond-past-guilt-amid-nazi-salute-controversy-8654678">'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt'</a>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-2025-live-us-extends-greetings-to-india-on-republic-day-8654335"></a>Musk&rsquo;s alignment with far-right movements is part of a larger pattern. He has supported leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and even appeared as a guest at an AfD rally in Germany on Saturday.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Despite US President Donald Trump's positive comments, billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of the US president, has been sharply critical of Sir Keir Starmer.

US President Donald Trump has praised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his performance, describing it as "very good thus far." He also noted their "very good relationship" during comments given to the BBC on Saturday (Jan 25). When asked about their interactions, Trump mentioned they were scheduled to hold a phone conversation within 24 hours. The two leaders have previously met several times, including when Sir Keir visited Trump Tower in New York during the US presidential campaign. "I get along with him well. I like him a lot. He's liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he's a very good person and I think he's done a very good job thus far," Trump said of Sir Keir. "He's represented his country in terms of philosophy. I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him," he added. Aso read: Ukraine war: Zelensky says US has not stopped military aid to Kyiv Following Trump’s re-election last November, Sir Keir and the US president spoke on the phone. At the time, Downing Street stressed the strength of the UK—US relationship, saying it remained "incredibly strong" and would "continue to thrive." Elon Musk's criticism of Sir Keir Starmer Despite Trump's positive comments, billionaire Elon Musk, and self-appointed 'first buddy' of the US president, has been sharply critical of Sir Keir Starmer. Musk has frequently called for the UK leader's removal and has used his social media platform X to voice his opposition. Earlier this month, Musk publicly criticised Sir Keir in connection with the grooming gangs scandal, accusing the prime minister of being "deeply complicit in the mass rapes in exchange for votes." Sir Keir, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, rejected the accusations, calling them "lies and misinformation" and adding he had addressed prosecutions "head-on." Musk’s disputes with Sir Keir’s government are not new. He has previously referred to Britain as a “police state” due to its handling of the Southport riots, which led to violent street clashes during the summer. Musk has repeatedly criticised Starmer on X while expressing support for Reform UK, a political party. Also read: 'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt' Musk’s alignment with far-right movements is part of a larger pattern. He has supported leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and even appeared as a guest at an AfD rally in Germany on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says UK PM Starmer is doing 'very good job' despite 'first buddy' Elon Musk's criticism

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/elon-musk" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Elon Musk</a> made an unexpected virtual appearance at a rally for Germany&rsquo;s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Saturday (Jan 25), reaffirming his support ahead of the country's snap election on February 23.&nbsp;
<h2>'AfD: The best hope for Germany'</h2>
Speaking to a crowd of 4,500 alongside party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/following-scholzs-remarks-about-musk-at-wef-billionaire-calls-german-chancellor-oaf-schitz-8642037">Alice Weidel</a>, Musk called the AfD the &ldquo;best hope for Germany&rdquo; and urged people to move on from &ldquo;past guilt.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-covid-19-origin-lab-leak-donald-trumps-cia-pick-john-ratcliffe-takes-charge-8654524">CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of COVID-19, but with 'low confidence' as Ratcliffe takes charge</a>
Joining the event via video link, the Tesla CEO spoke about the importance of &ldquo;preserving German culture&rdquo; and &ldquo;protecting the German people.&rdquo; 
He added that pride in German values should not be diluted by multiculturalism. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,&rdquo; Musk said.
Musk also criticised Germany&rsquo;s government, accusing it of suppressing free speech. 
<h2>'Too much focus on past guilt'</h2>
Referencing the country&rsquo;s Nazi history, he said, &ldquo;Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents. There is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that.&rdquo;
During his speech, Musk openly encouraged support for the AfD, saying, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m very excited for the AfD. I think you&rsquo;re really the best hope for Germany&rsquo;s fight for a great future for Germany.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-anti-dei-order-grounds-documentary-of-tuskegee-airmen-and-female-wwii-pilots-8654667">Trump&rsquo;s anti-DEI order grounds documentary of Tuskegee Airmen and female WWII pilots</a>
Party co-leader Alice Weidel thanked Musk, adding, &ldquo;Make Germany great again!&rdquo;
The rally appearance follows a recent controversy surrounding Musk. Last week, the billionaire faced backlash after making a gesture that some online compared to a Nazi salute during an event for US President Donald Trump. 
Earlier this month, Musk hosted Weidel for an interview on his platform, X, sparking further concerns about interference in Germany&rsquo;s elections. During the interview, Musk questioned Weidel about allegations linking the AfD to Hitler&rsquo;s Nazi regime. In response, Weidel dismissed the claims, describing Hitler as a &ldquo;communist socialist guy&rdquo; and asserting that the AfD represents &ldquo;exactly the opposite.&rdquo;
Musk&rsquo;s endorsement of the AfD is part of a broader pattern of support for far-right leaders in Europe. He has previously voiced approval for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, though he later criticised Farage, claiming he &ldquo;doesn&rsquo;t have what it takes.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Germany AfD: Referencing the country’s Nazi history, Musk said, “Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents.”

Elon Musk made an unexpected virtual appearance at a rally for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Saturday (Jan 25), reaffirming his support ahead of the country's snap election on February 23. 'AfD: The best hope for Germany' Speaking to a crowd of 4,500 alongside party leader Alice Weidel, Musk called the AfD the “best hope for Germany” and urged people to move on from “past guilt.” Also read: CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of COVID-19, but with 'low confidence' as Ratcliffe takes charge Joining the event via video link, the Tesla CEO spoke about the importance of “preserving German culture” and “protecting the German people.” He added that pride in German values should not be diluted by multiculturalism. “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” Musk said. Musk also criticised Germany’s government, accusing it of suppressing free speech. 'Too much focus on past guilt' Referencing the country’s Nazi history, he said, “Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents. There is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that.” During his speech, Musk openly encouraged support for the AfD, saying, “I’m very excited for the AfD. I think you’re really the best hope for Germany’s fight for a great future for Germany.” Also read: Trump’s anti-DEI order grounds documentary of Tuskegee Airmen and female WWII pilots Party co-leader Alice Weidel thanked Musk, adding, “Make Germany great again!” The rally appearance follows a recent controversy surrounding Musk. Last week, the billionaire faced backlash after making a gesture that some online compared to a Nazi salute during an event for US President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, Musk hosted Weidel for an interview on his platform, X, sparking further concerns about interference in Germany’s elections. During the interview, Musk questioned Weidel about allegations linking the AfD to Hitler’s Nazi regime. In response, Weidel dismissed the claims, describing Hitler as a “communist socialist guy” and asserting that the AfD represents “exactly the opposite.” Musk’s endorsement of the AfD is part of a broader pattern of support for far-right leaders in Europe. He has previously voiced approval for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, though he later criticised Farage, claiming he “doesn’t have what it takes.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt'

The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has denied billionaire Elon Musk a prime office space near the Oval Office. Musk is head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk will instead be based in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located outside the main White House complex. Watch in for more details!

White House chief of staff 'denied' office to Musk in West Wing

American Oversight, a prominent ethics watchdog has raised alarms about Elon Musk's involvement in Donald Trump&rsquo;s newly proposed "Department of Government Efficiency" (Doge). The group alleges that Doge's use of encrypted messaging apps, such as Signal with auto-delete features, could breach the Federal Records Act (FRA). &nbsp;
Doge, an agency Trump plans to establish to implement drastic government cuts, has sparked ethical concerns due to Musk's significant business interests. American Oversight claims Musk's leadership could create "potential conflicts of interest," given Musk's business empire and Doge's potential influence over federal agencies.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-was-sworn-in-as-president-metas-ai-bewildered-following-trump-inauguration-8649229">&lsquo;Biden was sworn in as president,&rsquo; Meta&rsquo;s AI bewildered following Trump inauguration</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Encrypted messaging concerns</h2>
Reports that Doge members are using Signal's auto-delete feature prompted the watchdog to send warnings on Wednesday (Jan 22) to Musk, Doge, and various federal departments, including Defence, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) was also notified &mdash; the watchdog has reportedly urged the archivist to pursue legal action if records are unlawfully destroyed or removed. &nbsp;
The FRA mandates that agencies preserve records that document federal activities, decisions, and policies. American Oversight insists all communications related to Doge, both pre-and post-Trump's inauguration earlier this week, are federal records subject to preservation. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algorithm-sucks-musk-says-he-will-lose-his-mind-over-nazi-salute-posts-on-his-x-feed-8648774">&lsquo;Algorithm sucks,&rsquo; Musk says he will &lsquo;lose his mind&rsquo; over &lsquo;Nazi salute&rsquo; posts on his X feed</a>
<h2>Transparency demands</h2>
Chioma Chukwu, American Oversight's interim executive director, criticised what she described as attempts to conceal Doge's activities.&nbsp;
"Efforts are clearly underway to conceal information that would expose the Trump administration&rsquo;s plans to gut critical services that benefit the American people, and Doge &ndash; led by unelected billionaires poised to benefit from their self-serving machinations &ndash; is no exception," she alleged, as reported by The Guardian.
She warned that "Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lets-call-a-spade-a-fking-spade-musks-transgender-daughter-reacts-to-fathers-nazi-salute-claims-8647360">Let's call a spade a f***king spade: Musk's transgender daughter reacts to father's 'Nazi salute' claims</a>
"That is why we have put the administration on notice: comply with your obligation to preserve all Doge-related records, or defend that secrecy in court," she stated. &nbsp;
This is not the first time American Oversight has clashed with Trump's administration. The group has previously sued Trump's administration over documents tied to Rudy Giuliani's Ukraine communications and preventable immigrant deaths under ICE custody.
(With inputs from agencies)

Explore the ethical concerns raised by American Oversight about Elon Musk's role in Trump's proposed Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge.

American Oversight, a prominent ethics watchdog has raised alarms about Elon Musk's involvement in Donald Trump’s newly proposed "Department of Government Efficiency" (Doge). The group alleges that Doge's use of encrypted messaging apps, such as Signal with auto-delete features, could breach the Federal Records Act (FRA). Doge, an agency Trump plans to establish to implement drastic government cuts, has sparked ethical concerns due to Musk's significant business interests. American Oversight claims Musk's leadership could create "potential conflicts of interest," given Musk's business empire and Doge's potential influence over federal agencies. Also read | ‘Biden was sworn in as president,’ Meta’s AI bewildered following Trump inauguration Encrypted messaging concerns Reports that Doge members are using Signal's auto-delete feature prompted the watchdog to send warnings on Wednesday (Jan 22) to Musk, Doge, and various federal departments, including Defence, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) was also notified — the watchdog has reportedly urged the archivist to pursue legal action if records are unlawfully destroyed or removed. The FRA mandates that agencies preserve records that document federal activities, decisions, and policies. American Oversight insists all communications related to Doge, both pre-and post-Trump's inauguration earlier this week, are federal records subject to preservation. Also read | ‘Algorithm sucks,’ Musk says he will ‘lose his mind’ over ‘Nazi salute’ posts on his X feed Transparency demands Chioma Chukwu, American Oversight's interim executive director, criticised what she described as attempts to conceal Doge's activities. "Efforts are clearly underway to conceal information that would expose the Trump administration’s plans to gut critical services that benefit the American people, and Doge – led by unelected billionaires poised to benefit from their self-serving machinations – is no exception," she alleged, as reported by The Guardian. She warned that "Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable." Also read | Let's call a spade a f***king spade: Musk's transgender daughter reacts to father's 'Nazi salute' claims "That is why we have put the administration on notice: comply with your obligation to preserve all Doge-related records, or defend that secrecy in court," she stated. This is not the first time American Oversight has clashed with Trump's administration. The group has previously sued Trump's administration over documents tied to Rudy Giuliani's Ukraine communications and preventable immigrant deaths under ICE custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk and Donald Trump's 'Doge' agency under ethics watchdog's radar. Here's why

Amid the &lsquo;Nazi salute&rsquo; row surrounding US billionaire Elon Musk, the X boss said Friday he would &lsquo;lose his mind&rsquo; if he saw another post featuring his raised-arm gesture on his feed.
"If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, I&rsquo;m gonna lose my mind,&rdquo; Musk wrote, slamming the X algorithm.
&ldquo;This algorithm sucks!!"
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6a7vqic-2t3avhmf-oeb73qbr">
If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, I&rsquo;m gonna lose my mind 🤪 This algorithm sucks!!
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1882591207026512033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Musk&rsquo;s satirical post comes after the Tesla boss sparked a massive controversy on January 20 by raising his right arm in the air while thanking Trump&rsquo;s supporters.
The gesture, his critics said, resembled a Nazi salute.
Responding to his criticism on X Musk wrote, &ldquo;The radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi."
He also said in another X post that his critics needed &ldquo;better dirty tricks&rdquo; to attack him.
<h2>Netanyahu comes to rescue</h2>
Amid the controversy, Musk saw support from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday (Jan 23), who stressed the tech mogul was being "falsely smeared".
&ldquo;Elon is a great friend of Israel," wrote the PM of the Jewish nation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6a7w6c9-aegbdja4-9duvvrn7">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> is being falsely smeared. Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel&rsquo;s&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/VkBptanDmp">https://t.co/VkBptanDmp</a>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1882392668497756279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-elon-musk-nazi-salute-israel-hitler-8647897">'Great friend of Israel': Netanyahu defends Elon Musk after his 'Nazi' salute</a>
Netanyahu added that Musk had "repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel's right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state."
<h2>&lsquo;Defund Wikipedia&rsquo;</h2>
Musk also went all guns blazing against Wikipedia for labelling his hand gesture as a "Nazi" or "fascist" salute.
"Since legacy media propaganda is considered a 'valid' source by Wikipedia, it naturally simply becomes an extension of legacy media propaganda!" the billionaire wrote on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lets-call-a-spade-a-fking-spade-musks-transgender-daughter-reacts-to-fathers-nazi-salute-claims-8647360">Let's call a spade a f***king spade: Musk's transgender daughter reacts to father's 'Nazi salute' claims</a>
He also urged his supporters to "defund Wikipedia until balance is restored."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6a7wlya-blhzsv1t-67dmtfvo">
Defund Wikipedia until balance is restored! <a href="https://t.co/CIszNP5Pvc">https://t.co/CIszNP5Pvc</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1881752947379642825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales was quick to retaliate, saying Musk was unhappy that the online encyclopedia was not up for sale.
"I think Elon is unhappy that Wikipedia is not for sale. I hope his campaign to defund us results in lots of donations from people who care about the truth. If Elon wanted to help, he'd be encouraging kind and thoughtful intellectual people he agrees with to engage," said Wales.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Musk’s satirical post comes after the Tesla boss sparked a massive controversy on January 20 by raising his right arm in the air while thanking Trump’s supporters.

Amid the ‘Nazi salute’ row surrounding US billionaire Elon Musk, the X boss said Friday he would ‘lose his mind’ if he saw another post featuring his raised-arm gesture on his feed. "If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, I’m gonna lose my mind,” Musk wrote, slamming the X algorithm. “This algorithm sucks!!" If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, I’m gonna lose my mind 🤪 This algorithm sucks!! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 24, 2025 Musk’s satirical post comes after the Tesla boss sparked a massive controversy on January 20 by raising his right arm in the air while thanking Trump’s supporters. The gesture, his critics said, resembled a Nazi salute. Responding to his criticism on X Musk wrote, “The radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi." He also said in another X post that his critics needed “better dirty tricks” to attack him. Netanyahu comes to rescue Amid the controversy, Musk saw support from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday (Jan 23), who stressed the tech mogul was being "falsely smeared". “Elon is a great friend of Israel," wrote the PM of the Jewish nation. .@elonmusk is being falsely smeared. Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s… https://t.co/VkBptanDmp — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) January 23, 2025 Also read: 'Great friend of Israel': Netanyahu defends Elon Musk after his 'Nazi' salute Netanyahu added that Musk had "repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel's right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state." ‘Defund Wikipedia’ Musk also went all guns blazing against Wikipedia for labelling his hand gesture as a "Nazi" or "fascist" salute. "Since legacy media propaganda is considered a 'valid' source by Wikipedia, it naturally simply becomes an extension of legacy media propaganda!" the billionaire wrote on X. Also read: Let's call a spade a f***king spade: Musk's transgender daughter reacts to father's 'Nazi salute' claims He also urged his supporters to "defund Wikipedia until balance is restored." Defund Wikipedia until balance is restored! https://t.co/CIszNP5Pvc — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025 Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales was quick to retaliate, saying Musk was unhappy that the online encyclopedia was not up for sale. "I think Elon is unhappy that Wikipedia is not for sale. I hope his campaign to defund us results in lots of donations from people who care about the truth. If Elon wanted to help, he'd be encouraging kind and thoughtful intellectual people he agrees with to engage," said Wales. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Algorithm sucks,’ Musk says he will ‘lose his mind’ over ‘Nazi salute’ posts on his X feed

Tech billionaire and Donald Trump's cabinet member Elon Musk is continuing to face criticism over his hand gesture during a celebration of Trump's inauguration which drew online comparisons to a "Nazi salute." 
Musk dismissed criticism of the hand gesture as a "tired" attack.
Now, Musk's estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, who came out as transgender, has addressed the accusations surrounding her father's hand gesture during the event on Monday (January 21).&nbsp;
<h2>'Let's call a spade a f***ing spade'</h2>
In a series of posts on Instagram's platform Threads, Wilson, 18, appeared to reference the incident surrounding her father's alleged "Nazi salute."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-officials-considering-selling-tiktok-us-to-elon-musk-to-avoid-potential-ban-report-8620575" rel="dofollow">China considers selling TikTok US to Elon Musk amid ban threat, ByteDance denies rumours</a>
In the posts, Wilson did not name her father but hinted that she was responding to Monday's incident.
"I am just gonna say let's call a spade a f***ing spade," the 18-year-old said. &ldquo;Especially if there were two spades done in succession based on the reaction of the first spade,&rdquo; she added.&nbsp;
In a follow-up post on Threads, Wilson appeared to hit back at claims on social media that Musk's gesture could be explained because of his autism.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-inauguration-from-elon-musks-nazi-salute-to-mark-zuckerbergs-bad-boy-moment-these-are-the-viral-moments-you-cannot-miss-8640494" rel="dofollow">Trump inauguration: From Elon Musk's Nazi salute to Mark Zuckerberg's 'bad boy' moment, these are the viral instances you cannot miss</a>
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know why ya&rsquo;ll are reacting with such vigour, I&rsquo;m clearly only talking about card suits,&rdquo; Wilson said.
&ldquo;I mean I have ADHD and this was CLEARLY just an accident that people happened to interpret to mean something other than just card suits. After all, there&rsquo;s no proof I&rsquo;m not just talking about card suits.&nbsp;People assuming that I&rsquo;m not just talking about card suits just goes to show how dishonest people/the media can be," she added.
<h2>The hand gesture that sparked the controversy</h2>
During a celebration of Trump's inauguration, Musk took to the Capital One Arena stage in Washington to huge cheers, pumping his arms and shouting, "Yesssss."
Also watch | Musk supports alleged Andrew Tate's controversial bid for UK PM
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1101_wion_ELON_2PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1101_wion_ELON_2PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=138&amp;tags=Elon Musk sex trafficker" title="Elon Musk supports alleged sex trafficker Andrew Tate's controversial bid for UK PM" id="PL_iframe_block-m69f60e3-xbxql6ec-zvdaa1da"></iframe>
"This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilisation," he said. "This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen! Thank you."
Biting his bottom lip, he thumped his right hand over his heart, fingers spread wide, then extended his right arm out, emphatically, at an upward angle, palm down and fingers together. Then he turned and made the same hand gesture to the crowd behind him.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-nazi-salute-elon-musk-stirs-massive-controversy-during-speech-following-trump-inauguration-8639007" rel="dofollow">A Nazi salute? Elon Musk stirs massive controversy during speech following Trump inauguration</a>
"My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilisation is assured," he said as he finished the gesture.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World: Musk's estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, who came out as transgender, has addressed the accusations surrounding her father's hand gesture during the event on Monday.

Tech billionaire and Donald Trump's cabinet member Elon Musk is continuing to face criticism over his hand gesture during a celebration of Trump's inauguration which drew online comparisons to a "Nazi salute." Musk dismissed criticism of the hand gesture as a "tired" attack. Now, Musk's estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, who came out as transgender, has addressed the accusations surrounding her father's hand gesture during the event on Monday (January 21). 'Let's call a spade a f***ing spade' In a series of posts on Instagram's platform Threads, Wilson, 18, appeared to reference the incident surrounding her father's alleged "Nazi salute." Also read | China considers selling TikTok US to Elon Musk amid ban threat, ByteDance denies rumours In the posts, Wilson did not name her father but hinted that she was responding to Monday's incident. "I am just gonna say let's call a spade a f***ing spade," the 18-year-old said. “Especially if there were two spades done in succession based on the reaction of the first spade,” she added. In a follow-up post on Threads, Wilson appeared to hit back at claims on social media that Musk's gesture could be explained because of his autism. Also read | Trump inauguration: From Elon Musk's Nazi salute to Mark Zuckerberg's 'bad boy' moment, these are the viral instances you cannot miss “I don’t know why ya’ll are reacting with such vigour, I’m clearly only talking about card suits,” Wilson said. “I mean I have ADHD and this was CLEARLY just an accident that people happened to interpret to mean something other than just card suits. After all, there’s no proof I’m not just talking about card suits. People assuming that I’m not just talking about card suits just goes to show how dishonest people/the media can be," she added. The hand gesture that sparked the controversy During a celebration of Trump's inauguration, Musk took to the Capital One Arena stage in Washington to huge cheers, pumping his arms and shouting, "Yesssss." Also watch | Musk supports alleged Andrew Tate's controversial bid for UK PM "This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilisation," he said. "This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen! Thank you." Biting his bottom lip, he thumped his right hand over his heart, fingers spread wide, then extended his right arm out, emphatically, at an upward angle, palm down and fingers together. Then he turned and made the same hand gesture to the crowd behind him. Also read | A Nazi salute? Elon Musk stirs massive controversy during speech following Trump inauguration "My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilisation is assured," he said as he finished the gesture. (With inputs from agencies)

Let's call a spade a f***king spade: Musk's transgender daughter reacts to father's 'Nazi salute' claims

After Elon Musk was brutally trolled for his "Nazi salute" on January 20 while addressing Donald Trump's supporters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came in defence of the billionaire. The Jewish leader took to X on Thursday (Jan 23) and said that Musk is "being falsely smeared".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jeff-bezos-fiancee-lauren-s&aacute;nchez-has-this-to-say-to-trolls-who-didnt-like-her-trump-inauguration-outfit-8647066">Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren S&aacute;nchez has THIS to say to trolls who didn't like her Trump inauguration outfit</a>
While claiming that Elon Musk is a "great friend" of Israel, Netanyahu wrote, "He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel&rsquo;s right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the only Jewish state."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m69f4cob-cf4b35c9-jszf5yfk">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> is being falsely smeared. Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel&rsquo;s&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/VkBptanDmp">https://t.co/VkBptanDmp</a>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1882392668497756279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
He ended the tweet by thanking Musk for his support to the Jewish nation.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-doug-emhoff-kamala-harris-divorce-2024-presidential-election-dead-weight-8647124">Is Kamala Harris getting divorce? Ex-US VP calls husband 'dead weight' and blames him for election loss: Report</a>
<h2>The 'Nazi' salute&nbsp;</h2>
The well-known ally of US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, sparked a major controversy on Trump's inaugural day while addressing the crowd. During the speech, Musk pounded his chest and raised his right hand in support of Trump's supporters. The video was soon widely circulated on the internet, and critics accused that his gesture resembled the Nazi salute.&nbsp;
Musk was greatly criticised by netizens, as one of the X users wrote, "I'm shocked by Musk's autocratic tendencies, as well as his support for imperious politicians both here and abroad."
<h2>'Everyone is Hitler'</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-military-chief-herzi-halevi-resigns-over-failure-to-prevent-oct-7-hamas-attack-8642668">Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack</a>
After receiving tons of backlash on the internet, Musk replied to the critics with a post on X in which he criticised people who accused him of showing a Nazi salute and said his haters need "better dirty tricks".
The Tesla CEO, who is now handling the DOGE under Trump, further wrote, "The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is so tired."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m69f4tbl-w2qgn31h-p7phm5cs">
Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The &ldquo;everyone is Hitler&rdquo; attack is sooo tired 😴 <a href="https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0">https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1881536518206218445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistani-lawmakers-demand-elon-musks-apology-before-starlink-licence-approval-report-8647766">Pakistani lawmakers demand 'apology' from Elon Musk before Starlink licence approval: Report</a>
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Trending | The well-known ally of US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk sparked major controversy on the internet on Trump's inaugural day while addressing the crowd. 

After Elon Musk was brutally trolled for his "Nazi salute" on January 20 while addressing Donald Trump's supporters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came in defence of the billionaire. The Jewish leader took to X on Thursday (Jan 23) and said that Musk is "being falsely smeared". Also read: Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren Sánchez has THIS to say to trolls who didn't like her Trump inauguration outfit While claiming that Elon Musk is a "great friend" of Israel, Netanyahu wrote, "He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the only Jewish state." .@elonmusk is being falsely smeared. Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s… https://t.co/VkBptanDmp — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) January 23, 2025 He ended the tweet by thanking Musk for his support to the Jewish nation. Also read: Is Kamala Harris getting divorce? Ex-US VP calls husband 'dead weight' and blames him for election loss: Report The 'Nazi' salute The well-known ally of US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, sparked a major controversy on Trump's inaugural day while addressing the crowd. During the speech, Musk pounded his chest and raised his right hand in support of Trump's supporters. The video was soon widely circulated on the internet, and critics accused that his gesture resembled the Nazi salute. Musk was greatly criticised by netizens, as one of the X users wrote, "I'm shocked by Musk's autocratic tendencies, as well as his support for imperious politicians both here and abroad." 'Everyone is Hitler' Also read: Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack After receiving tons of backlash on the internet, Musk replied to the critics with a post on X in which he criticised people who accused him of showing a Nazi salute and said his haters need "better dirty tricks". The Tesla CEO, who is now handling the DOGE under Trump, further wrote, "The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is so tired." Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired 😴 https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025 Also read: Pakistani lawmakers demand 'apology' from Elon Musk before Starlink licence approval: Report (With inputs from agencies)

'Great friend of Israel': Netanyahu defends Elon Musk after his 'Nazi' salute

Donald Trump’s ambitious $500 billion AI initiative, "Stargate," has ignited a public war of words between tech giants Elon Musk and Sam Altman, creating tension in the AI community. The project is poised to reshape the AI landscape, but Musk and Altman’s differing views on the technology’s future have added fuel to the fire.

Donald Trump’s $500 billion AI project 'stargate' sparks feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman

Pakistani senators are calling for an apology from billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/elon-musk" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk</a>, accusing him of spreading "anti-Pakistan propaganda" as he seeks regulatory approval for his Starlink internet service in the country.
Musk's Starlink has applied for a licence to operate in Pakistan, but clearance is pending. A senate committee on information technology and telecommunications met to discuss the application, but several senators condemned Musk's recent comments on his social media platform X, denouncing them as "anti-Pakistani propaganda".
"It was said that approval should be given on condition of his apology," Committee chair Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan Khan told AFP.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/linkedin-premium-users-data-leak-privacy-breach-personal-messages-shared-with-third-parties-ai-training-us-lawsuit-against-linkedin-8647737">LinkedIn is sharing users data with third parties to train AI: US lawsuit alleges</a>
"We are not saying it should be a pre-condition but it was a part of the discussion and we can only give our recommendations to the government," she added.
Musk has allegedly claimed in many of his social media posts that Pakistani men were responsible for grooming gangs in England. Earlier an Indian MP Priyanka Chaturvedi in a post on X said, "They aren't ASIAN Grooming Gangs but PAKISTANI grooming gangs. Why should Asians take the fall for one absolute rogue nation?"
Musk responded to the post in agreement writing, "True".
<h2>UK launches fresh probe into grooming gang scandal</h2>
The UK government has announced a fresh investigation into the grooming gangs scandal, after a public feud between Musk and UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/keir-starmer" rel="dofollow">Keir Starmer</a> over the same. Reacting to the announcement, Musk posted on X, "I hope this is a proper investigation."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-cryptic-warning-to-biden-shouldve-given-himself-a-pardon-8646564">Donald Trump's cryptic warning to Biden: 'Should've given himself a pardon'</a>
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper announcing the fresh probes said, &ldquo;As we have seen, effective local inquiries can delve into far more local detail and deliver more locally relevant answers, and change, than a lengthy nationwide inquiry can provide.&rdquo;
The grooming gang scandal involves sex offences going back decades against British girls by men of mostly South Asian origin in various northern English towns.
(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, South Asia: A senate committee on information technology and telecommunications met to discuss the application, but several senators condemned Musk's recent comments on his social media platform X, denouncing them as "anti-Pakistani propaganda".

Pakistani senators are calling for an apology from billionaire Elon Musk, accusing him of spreading "anti-Pakistan propaganda" as he seeks regulatory approval for his Starlink internet service in the country. Musk's Starlink has applied for a licence to operate in Pakistan, but clearance is pending. A senate committee on information technology and telecommunications met to discuss the application, but several senators condemned Musk's recent comments on his social media platform X, denouncing them as "anti-Pakistani propaganda". "It was said that approval should be given on condition of his apology," Committee chair Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan Khan told AFP. Also read: LinkedIn is sharing users data with third parties to train AI: US lawsuit alleges "We are not saying it should be a pre-condition but it was a part of the discussion and we can only give our recommendations to the government," she added. Musk has allegedly claimed in many of his social media posts that Pakistani men were responsible for grooming gangs in England. Earlier an Indian MP Priyanka Chaturvedi in a post on X said, "They aren't ASIAN Grooming Gangs but PAKISTANI grooming gangs. Why should Asians take the fall for one absolute rogue nation?" Musk responded to the post in agreement writing, "True". UK launches fresh probe into grooming gang scandal The UK government has announced a fresh investigation into the grooming gangs scandal, after a public feud between Musk and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the same. Reacting to the announcement, Musk posted on X, "I hope this is a proper investigation." Also read: Donald Trump's cryptic warning to Biden: 'Should've given himself a pardon' Interior Minister Yvette Cooper announcing the fresh probes said, “As we have seen, effective local inquiries can delve into far more local detail and deliver more locally relevant answers, and change, than a lengthy nationwide inquiry can provide.” The grooming gang scandal involves sex offences going back decades against British girls by men of mostly South Asian origin in various northern English towns. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani lawmakers demand 'apology' from Elon Musk before Starlink licence approval: Report

Vivek Ramaswamy has stated he will not serve in a potential Trump administration. Reports indicate Ramaswamy’s exit was triggered by his comments on H-1B visa debacle. Ramaswamy criticised American culture, hiring practices regarding H-1B visa program….Watch to know more!

Was Vivek Ramaswamy’s exit triggered by his comments on H-1B?

In order to avoid a potential ban in the United States, Chinese officials are considering a contingency plan that would involve selling TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk, said a Bloomberg report.
The report further said that the first preference of the Chinese officials will be to keep the short-form video hosting platform under the control of parent company ByteDance, however, they are exploring other contingencies if that cannot be achieved.
One of the scenarios will be to let Musk's microblogging site X take charge of TikTok US and run the business with him.&nbsp;
The Chinese officials, however, are reportedly still in the early stages of discussion and have not yet reached a firm consensus on the best course of action.
A TikTok spokesperson has denied rumours about Musk buying the popular app, labelling them "pure fiction". When asked to comment on the potential sale, they said, "We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction."
ByteDance is contesting the ban against TikTok in the US Supreme Court. As per the recent developments, there is a possibility that the judges will uphold any potential ban on the short video platform.
The Supreme Court had given a January 19 deadline to ByteDance that the company should either sell TikTok or face a ban in the country on the grounds of national security.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/truly-evil-guy-trumps-former-advisor-steve-bannon-vows-to-take-elon-musk-down-before-inauguration-day-8613853">Also read: 'Truly evil guy': Trump&rsquo;s ex-aide Steve Bannon vows to take Elon Musk down before inauguration day</a>
<h2>Trump urges US Supreme Court to pause TikTok ban ahead of inauguration&nbsp;</h2>
Then US President-elect Donald Trump had urged the Supreme Court to delay its decision.
In a legal brief, Trump's team argued for "more breathing space".
"In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, urging the court to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution."
In his filing, Trump's attorney emphasised that the president-elect is not taking a position on the case's legal merits but is seeking flexibility for his administration to address the matter politically.&nbsp;
"President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," wrote John Sauer in the amicus curiae brief.
"Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case."
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;
Disclaimer: An earlier version of this story reported that China was considering selling TikTok US to Elon Musk. However, as per a fact-check by Fact Crescendo, the claim was found false. The article has, hence, been updated

World | Trending: The first preference of Chinese officials will be to keep the short-form video hosting platform under the control of parent company ByteDance, however, they are exploring other contingencies if that cannot be achieved.

In order to avoid a potential ban in the United States, Chinese officials are considering a contingency plan that would involve selling TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk, said a Bloomberg report. The report further said that the first preference of the Chinese officials will be to keep the short-form video hosting platform under the control of parent company ByteDance, however, they are exploring other contingencies if that cannot be achieved. One of the scenarios will be to let Musk's microblogging site X take charge of TikTok US and run the business with him. The Chinese officials, however, are reportedly still in the early stages of discussion and have not yet reached a firm consensus on the best course of action. A TikTok spokesperson has denied rumours about Musk buying the popular app, labelling them "pure fiction". When asked to comment on the potential sale, they said, "We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction." ByteDance is contesting the ban against TikTok in the US Supreme Court. As per the recent developments, there is a possibility that the judges will uphold any potential ban on the short video platform. The Supreme Court had given a January 19 deadline to ByteDance that the company should either sell TikTok or face a ban in the country on the grounds of national security. Also read: 'Truly evil guy': Trump’s ex-aide Steve Bannon vows to take Elon Musk down before inauguration day Trump urges US Supreme Court to pause TikTok ban ahead of inauguration Then US President-elect Donald Trump had urged the Supreme Court to delay its decision. In a legal brief, Trump's team argued for "more breathing space". "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, urging the court to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." In his filing, Trump's attorney emphasised that the president-elect is not taking a position on the case's legal merits but is seeking flexibility for his administration to address the matter politically. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," wrote John Sauer in the amicus curiae brief. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: An earlier version of this story reported that China was considering selling TikTok US to Elon Musk. However, as per a fact-check by Fact Crescendo, the claim was found false. The article has, hence, been updated

China considers selling TikTok US to Elon Musk amid ban threat, ByteDance denies rumours

US President Donald Trump announced major investment to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence worth over $500 billion. However, just hours later the plan's feasibility was being questioned by his Ally and friend Elon Musk. Watch in for more details!

Elon Musk casts doubt on Trump-backed deal

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