Musk rages at GOP as he returns to an uncertain business empire

Summary

Apple News Today: Detailed Summary of "Musk Rages at GOP as He Returns to an Uncertain Business Empire"

Release Date: June 4, 2025 | Host: Shemitah Basu

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Introduction

In this episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu navigates through a series of pressing issues, ranging from Elon Musk's recent political criticisms to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies. The episode weaves together expert insights, firsthand reports, and in-depth analysis to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these complex topics.

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Elon Musk's Political Shift and Its Impact on Tesla

Key Discussion Points:

• Elon Musk's recent criticisms of Congress and the President's agenda.
• The decline in Tesla's sales and stock volatility.
• Musk's strategic pivot towards AI and robotics amidst political challenges.

Detailed Insights:

Elon Musk, traditionally seen as an enthusiastic supporter of the President's agenda, has recently shifted his stance, openly criticizing Republican policies. On [00:42], Musk labeled the GOP's signature tax and spending bill as an "outrageous pork-filled abomination." This marks a notable departure from his previous alignment, signaling potential tensions between Musk and political leaders.

In an interview with CBS at [00:57], Musk admitted, “We have differences of opinion. There are things that I don't entirely agree with," highlighting his growing discontent with current political dynamics.

Impact on Tesla:

According to Becky Peterson of the Wall Street Journal [01:28], Tesla has experienced a significant decline in sales across the US, Europe, and China. This downturn is attributed partly to Musk's political activities, which have tarnished Tesla's reputation in liberal states while not effectively boosting sales in Republican regions. Peterson notes, “We have a decline in sales, which is hurting its revenue, it's hurting its net profit” [01:35].

Moreover, political decisions such as Congress blocking a California EV mandate and the GOP proposing cuts to the EV tax credit have further destabilized Tesla’s market position. The withdrawal of Jared Isaacman’s nomination for NASA, a close Musk ally, signifies Musk’s diminishing influence within the administration [02:38].

Musk's Business Strategy:

Despite these setbacks, Musk remains resilient in other ventures. Peterson highlights that while Tesla faces challenges, companies like Xai and SpaceX have seen their valuations soar, with SpaceX surpassing a trillion-dollar valuation [03:44]. Musk is also refocusing Tesla towards AI and robotics, envisioning products like the Optimus humanoid robot for both domestic and industrial use [03:17].

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Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Aid Distribution and Violence

Key Discussion Points:

• The ongoing violence near aid distribution sites in Gaza.
• Challenges faced by humanitarian organizations under Israeli control.
• Reports of aid theft and civilian casualties.

Detailed Insights:

The episode delves into the dire situation in Gaza, where multiple aid distribution sites have been targeted, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Over the past week, dozens of Palestinians have been killed near these sites, as reported by the Red Cross and Gaza Health Ministry [04:28].

These aid sites, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and backed by Israel and the US, remain under strict Israeli control. This control has marginalized larger humanitarian organizations like the UN, leaving over 2 million Palestinians reliant on a single aid location [04:53].

Barbara Plett Usher of the BBC [05:21] describes the logistics: "The Palestinians gather about a kilometer away quite early in the morning until they're allowed to move forward to the hubs," passing through Israeli-controlled territory, placing civilians in close proximity to soldiers during aid distribution.

Violence and Aid Theft:

Efforts to verify incidents have been hampered by restrictions on journalists. The BBC's investigation into a deadly incident on Sunday concluded that gunfire occurred half a mile from the aid site, contradicting initial reports blaming the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) [06:27]. On Monday and Tuesday, multiple casualties were reported, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) citing instances of gunshot wounds, stabbings, and beatings linked to aid theft [06:33].

Palestinian journalist Hada Oda [07:27] reported that gangs and looters often target aid convoys, exploiting the absence of local governance and security to steal and sell supplies in local markets. This situation complicates Israel's claim that Hamas is responsible for aid theft, as distinguishing between gang members and Hamas fighters remains challenging [07:59].

Organizational Struggles:

The GHF's aid program has faced significant operational hurdles, including the resignation of two top executives and the withdrawal of a leading US management firm from Tel Aviv [08:08]. A spokesperson from the Boston Consulting Group confirmed the termination of their contract with GHF, signaling deeper issues within the aid distribution framework.

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Trump Administration's Third Country Deportations

Key Discussion Points:

• The expansion of third country removals under the Trump administration.
• Human rights concerns and legal challenges.
• Specific cases highlighting the humanitarian impact.

Detailed Insights:

The Trump administration has intensified the use of third country removals—deporting individuals to countries that are not their countries of origin. NPR's Ximena Bustillo [09:07] explains, “What we're seeing with this Trump administration is a supercharged use of third country removals,” emphasizing both the increased quantity and the broader range of destination countries.

Humanitarian Concerns:

Many deportees are sent to Central American countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, constituting over half of all deportations as of March [09:29]. However, there are troubling instances where individuals are sent to countries where they face severe persecution. For example, a gay man from Guatemala was deported to Mexico and subsequently faced rape and extortion while seeking asylum [09:58]. Similarly, seven men were deported to South Sudan—a nation grappling with food shortages, ethnic conflict, and high crime rates [09:56].

Legal Battles:

One poignant case involves a US citizen from Vietnam, whose husband was deported to South Sudan after serving a 25-year prison sentence. The couple expected deportation to Vietnam, but with only 12 hours' notice, the husband was sent to South Sudan instead. This led to legal action, with a federal judge in Massachusetts ruling in favor of the migrants, restricting the administration's deportation efforts [10:05]. Despite the ruling, the administration proceeded with the deportations, leaving many deportees stranded, as seen with Knock’s husband, who remains stuck at a military base in Djibouti without communication [11:13].

Supreme Court Involvement:

The Trump administration has appealed the Massachusetts judge’s ruling to the Supreme Court, arguing it restricts their immigration policy implementation [11:35]. The Supreme Court has granted the administration a brief period to respond to the appeal, intensifying the legal battle over third country deportations [11:48].

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Additional News Highlights

1. Colorado Attack Family Detained by ICE: The family of Mohamed Sabri Soliman, suspected of the Colorado attack, has been detained by ICE as the FBI investigates potential familial involvement [12:07]. Soliman, who overstayed his tourist visa, is facing charges of attempted murder and federal hate crimes. His family, including minors, are in custody for expedited removal, raising concerns about due process and family separation [12:24].

2. Saudi Arabia's Hajj Pilgrimage Challenges: As the annual Hajj unfolds, Saudi Arabia is grappling with the dual challenges of managing massive pilgrim numbers and preventing unauthorized visits. Last year's event saw over a thousand deaths due to extreme heat [12:52]. This year, stricter measures including fines and deportations aim to control the influx, yet the Saudi government must balance these efforts with the imperative to boost tourism and economic benefits from the pilgrimage [13:18].

3. Stanley Cup Final Returns to Canada After 32 Years: The Stanley Cup final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers marks the first Canadian team to compete for the title in 32 years [13:54]. The Oilers, having narrowly missed the championship last year, return with a strengthened roster and home-ice advantage, offering hope to Canadian hockey fans eager to end the long drought [13:57]. Factors contributing to this hiatus include Canadian teams’ migration to the Sun Belt for better conditions and less competitive drafting in recent years [14:03].

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Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today provides an in-depth exploration of Elon Musk's tumultuous relationship with the GOP and its ramifications on Tesla, the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid contested aid distribution, and the Trump administration's aggressive third country deportation policies. Additionally, it touches upon significant events such as the Colorado attack investigation, Saudi Arabia's management of the Hajj pilgrimage, and the eagerly anticipated Stanley Cup final in Canada. Through expert analysis and compelling narratives, Shemitah Basu ensures listeners are well-informed on these critical issues shaping our world.

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For detailed coverage and more stories, listeners are encouraged to explore the Apple News app and stay tuned for future episodes of Apple News Today.

Transcript

[Shemitah Basu]

Good morning. It's Wednesday, June 4th. I'm Shemitah Basu, this is Apple News today. On today's show, the controversial Gaza aid.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Site closes for the day as deaths and chaos continue.

[Shemitah Basu]

Trump grapples with deporting migrants rejected by their home countries. And after a 32 year drought, could Canada finally bring home the Stanley Cup? But first to Elon Musk, who's been using his newfound freedom from government to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Openly criticize Congress and the President's agenda.

[Shemitah Basu]

On Monday, he attacked Republicans signature tax.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

And spending bill as a, quote, outrageous pork filled abomination.

[Shemitah Basu]

Musk was until recently largely loyal and.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Enthusiastic about the President's agenda.

[Shemitah Basu]

But in a recent interview with cbs.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

He alluded to some discontent.

[Elon Musk]

We have differences of opinion. There are things that I don't entirely agree with, but it's difficult for me to bring that up in an interview because then it creates a bone of contention. So then I'm a little stuck in a bind.

[Shemitah Basu]

With this latest post, Musk appears to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Be stuck no more.

[Shemitah Basu]

The shift coincides with his return to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

His business empire, demanding more attention and less controversy.

[Shemitah Basu]

Musk's brief entry into politics appears to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Have had swift impact on his most famous brand, Tesla.

[Becky Peterson]

Tesla has really been through it over the last few months while Musk has been away in D.C. that's the Wall.

[Shemitah Basu]

Street Journal's Becky Peterson, who shared a.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Pulitzer Prize for her recent reporting on Musk.

[Becky Peterson]

One of the biggest things that we're seeing right now is a decline in sales, which is hurting its revenue, it's hurting its net profit.

[Shemitah Basu]

She says the car company's decline in.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Sales has been a pattern across the.

[Shemitah Basu]

US Europe and China, and that its stock remains volatile and prone to, as she puts it, vibe shifts. Peterson says Musk's political activity is at.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Least partly responsible, especially in states where the once ubiquitous car is now the target of vandalism.

[Becky Peterson]

In the first few months of the year, it seemed that Tesla's reputation was declining among liberals and in liberal states like California, but it was improving in more Republican areas and with Republican buyers. That said, Republicans aren't necessarily more likely to buy EVs, so it's not translating into successful for sales.

[Shemitah Basu]

Now, ordinarily, investors might see having a CEO with the ear of the president.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

As a positive sign for the company. But Peterson notes that the political winds haven't been blowing in Tesla's favor.

[Shemitah Basu]

Congress just blocked a California EV mandate and the GOP's proposed bill will cut the EV tax credit. And in a sign of Musk's waning influence at the White House.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Trump recently withdrew his nomination for close Musk ally Jared Isaacman to run NASA.

[Shemitah Basu]

If Musk has any regrets about how.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

His political work has affected his business, he has so far kept them private.

[Shemitah Basu]

He's dismissed Europe as a weak market, criticized the decline in shares as a form of political pressure, and blamed faltering.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Sales on a change in inventory releases.

[Shemitah Basu]

But he has conceded he needs to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Devote more time to his vision for Tesla's future.

[Becky Peterson]

Elon's been trying to transition Tesla into being an AI and robotics company. He sees this Optimus humanoid robot as being a product people buy for their homes, that companies buy for their factories. He sees a future where we're living among robots.

[Shemitah Basu]

Peterson also notes that when you take a step back and away from Tesla, Musk's other ventures are holding up well.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Even accounting for the occasional rocket malfunction.

[Becky Peterson]

For all of the potential damage to Tesla's bottom line, and the concerns that people aren't going to want to buy his products anymore, Musk has actually seen his companies grow in value during his time in the administration. Xai is surging in value, and SpaceX, for all the pain that it suffered over the last few months, has returned to over a trillion dollar valuation. So Musk's wealth is secure.

[Shemitah Basu]

Now to Gaza, where over the course of several days this week, dozens of.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Desperate Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution sites. According to the Red Cross and Gaza Health Ministry.

[Shemitah Basu]

These aid sites are, as we've mentioned.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Run by the Gaza Humanitarian foundation ghf, a group backed by Israel and the.

[Shemitah Basu]

US and they're under full Israeli control.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

This was one of Israel's conditions for lifting the total blockade on aid, which.

[Shemitah Basu]

Has effectively forced humanitarian organizations like the.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

UN out of Gaza. Only one site is operational, which means over 2 million Palestinians must travel to this one location in the hopes of receiving basic food and other supplies. And today, despite the need, centers are reportedly closed.

[Shemitah Basu]

The Israeli military warned roads leading to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

The sites are to be considered combat zones and that they are working on updates and improvements.

[Shemitah Basu]

Barbara Plett Usher, reporting from Jerusalem, told.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

The BBC how the aid has been getting distributed.

[Barbara Plett Usher]

The Palestinians gather about a kilometer away quite early in the morning until they're allowed to move forward to the hubs. And they have to pass through territory that is controlled by the Israeli military because the Israeli military is securing these aid hubs. So with the un, the aid is brought to their homes or brought to their communities. This is a different system and it means that civilians are put in quite close proximity to Israeli soldiers for this period while they're getting to the aid hub.

[Shemitah Basu]

It has been difficult for journalists to verify what exactly happened in each of.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

The deadly incidents this week, in large part because Israel has not allowed outside journalists into Gaza for months.

[Shemitah Basu]

The BBC has been working to review video footage in the first deadly incident.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

On Sunday, their journalists tried to geolocate video footage of gunfire near the aid site, which Gaza's Health ministry says killed 31 people.

[Shemitah Basu]

The IDF said it fired what it.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Described as warning shots, but denied its troops fired at civilians, quote, near or within the site.

[Shemitah Basu]

And it said reports blaming the IDF were false. The BBC concluded the gunfire seems to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Have occurred about half a mile from the aid site. On Monday, the icrc, the International Committee.

[Shemitah Basu]

Of the Red Cross, reported that three.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

People were killed waiting for food near the aid site.

[Shemitah Basu]

The IDF said it fired what it.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Described as warning shots at people they believed to be threats. Then on Tuesday, Gaza's health ministry said at least 27 people were killed.

[Shemitah Basu]

And the ICRC said one of its.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Field hospitals in south Gaza received nearly 200 patients in a mass casualty event. Mandy Blackman is a doctor who treated some of these patients. Here's what she told the BBC.

[Mandy Blackman]

We've seen gunshot wounds, we've seen some stabbings, people beaten by what they said were bricks, and we've seen people have had pepper sprays. But also those who managed to get some food from the three days on their way back from there, people have taken that from them and they received injuries after that as well.

[Shemitah Basu]

Hada Oda, a Palestinian journalist based in.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Gaza interviewed by the BBC, told them gangs and looters have routinely targeted people to steal aid.

[Hada Oda]

It happens all the time. You know, there is no government here, no policemen, no security. If you don't give them, they can shoot you or kill you. So they are trying to steal as much as they can, and they are selling it in local markets with high prices.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

One reason Israel insisted on this new aid system is because it claims Hamas is stealing aid.

[Shemitah Basu]

But this journalist told the BBC it's.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Often impossible to distinguish between gang members and members of Hamas.

[Shemitah Basu]

But one thing is this aid program.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Has gotten off to a chaotic start. Two top executives within GHF have resigned.

[Shemitah Basu]

Already, and a leading US Management firm.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Hired to help design the program and run its business operations recently withdrew its team from Tel Aviv.

[Shemitah Basu]

A spokesperson for the firm, the Boston.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Consulting Group, told the Washington Post the company terminated its contract with GHF.

[Ximena Bustillo]

Foreign.

[Shemitah Basu]

Let's turn now to a tactic the Trump administration is increasingly turning to for.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Deportations so called third country removals.

[Shemitah Basu]

That's when the US Deports a person.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

To a country that isn't their country of origin.

[Shemitah Basu]

It's not an entirely new idea, but.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

The Trump administration has prioritized getting more countries to agree to take in deportees, regardless of where they're from.

[Shemitah Basu]

NPR immigration reporter Ximena Bustillo told us about it.

[NOC Fan]

What we're seeing with this Trump administration is a supercharged use of third country removals, and not just in terms of, like, quantity and how many people are being sent, but in terms of the kinds of countries that the United States is looking to make deals with to send migrants out to.

[Shemitah Basu]

Many migrants have been sent to countries in Central America.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras made up more than half of all deportations back in March.

[Shemitah Basu]

The administration has also struck deals with other countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. In these cases, the administration has argued that people with criminal records shouldn't be.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Allowed to stay in the US Just because their home countries refuse to take them back.

[Shemitah Basu]

In several cases, however, people have been.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Sent to countries where they face persecution.

[Shemitah Basu]

A gay man from Guatemala was sent.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

To Mexico, where, according to court documents, he says he was raped and extorted while trying to seek asylum in the.

[Shemitah Basu]

U.S. the administration says it's working to bring him back.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

And in another case, the administration sought to deport seven men to South Sudan, a country facing food shortages, ethnic conflict and violent crime.

[Shemitah Basu]

Bustillo spoke with NOC Fan, a US.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Citizen from Vietnam, about her husband, who was one of the men on this flight to South Sudan.

[Shemitah Basu]

He had recently finished serving a 25.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Year prison sentence for assault and murder.

[Shemitah Basu]

His green card status was revoked. They expected he would be deported when.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

He was released, but they thought the administration would send him to Vietnam.

[NOC Fan]

They were preparing documentation, travel paperwork. She was getting a cell phone, connecting with family abroad to pick him up at the airport. And then she gets a call from her husband.

[Shemitah Basu]

He told her he was being sent.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

To South Sudan instead.

[Shemitah Basu]

He and the other migrants on the.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Flight were only given about 12 hours notice.

[Shemitah Basu]

And Politico reports that they weren't allowed.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

To consult their lawyers.

[Shemitah Basu]

Their lawyers later sued, arguing that they.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Weren'T given sufficient time to challenge the deportations.

[Shemitah Basu]

A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled in their favor. This all happened about two weeks ago and back in April.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

This same judge had already placed restrictions on the Trump administration's efforts to deport people to third countries. But the administration went ahead with the flights anyway.

[NOC Fan]

And so now we're seeing that Knock's husband never made it to South Sudan, but has instead for more than a week been stuck at the military base in Djibouti.

[Shemitah Basu]

Knock told Bustillo she hasn't heard from.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Her husband since he got on that plane.

[Shemitah Basu]

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has appealed the.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Ruling to the Supreme Court.

[Shemitah Basu]

They say it impedes their ability to.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Carry out their immigration policy.

[Shemitah Basu]

The Supreme Court gave the lawyers representing.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

The migrants until today to respond to the appeal.

[Shemitah Basu]

Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. The family of the suspect in the.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Colorado attack has been detained by ICE.

[Shemitah Basu]

Officials as the FBI expands its investigation to question what, if anything, family members.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

May have known about his plans.

[Shemitah Basu]

According to local media reports, Mohamed Sabri.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Soliman's family included two teenagers and three younger children.

[Shemitah Basu]

Federal officials say he was living in the US Illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Said his family was in custody for expedited removal.

[Shemitah Basu]

Soliman is being charged with attempted murder and also faces federal hate crime charges after he allegedly set fire to people.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Demonstrating for the release of Israeli hostages. He is said to have told authorities he acted alone.

[Shemitah Basu]

Next to Saudi Arabia.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Where the annual hajj has begun, where Muslims journey to Mecca.

[Shemitah Basu]

The pilgrimage brings millions of people to one place, and the chaotic numbers combined.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

With extreme heat led to over a thousand deaths last year.

[Shemitah Basu]

This time, Saudi Arabia is stepping up.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Efforts to curb unauthorized visits with threats of fines and deportations.

[Shemitah Basu]

But the Saudi government faces a tricky balancing act. The hajj is crucial to its strategy.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

To boost tourism, and it can be big business.

[Shemitah Basu]

Packages vary, but according to one comparison tool, it can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 per person for travel from the US as of the start of the week, Saudi officials say they have stopped a quarter of a million people.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Without hajj permits from entering Mecca.

[Shemitah Basu]

And finally tonight, the Stanley cup begins.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Pitting the Florida Panthers against the Edmonton.

[Shemitah Basu]

Oilers for the second year in a row. Last year, the Panthers won, and as the Athletic notes, there is a lot.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

At stake not only for these two.

[Shemitah Basu]

Teams, but the specifically no Canadian team.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Has won the Stanley cup in 32.

[Shemitah Basu]

Years, which seems kind of hard to believe for a country that feels so.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Synonymous with the sport.

[Shemitah Basu]

The Athletic says there are many reasons.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Why this drought has gone on for so long. Some players want to play in the.

[Shemitah Basu]

Sun Belt for better weather and tax perks, and many of the Canadian teams.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Have not drafted that well.

[Shemitah Basu]

But if any team is going to break the drought, it could be the Oilers, who were just one goal away from winning the title last year and they're back with a stronger roster and home ice advantage. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the News app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next. The Atavist has the remarkable story of.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

A skier who embarked on a dangerous.

[Shemitah Basu]

And difficult 1600 mile journey from Vancouver to Alaska and how the tragedy she experienced changed how she saw the mountains and the world. If you're listening in the podcast app.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Follow Apple News plus Narrated to find.

[Shemitah Basu]

That story and I'll be back with the news tomorrow.