NEWS: Elon Musk Breaks From Donald Trump on Budget Bill as Tesla Sales Plummet

Elon Musk breaks from Trump on budget bill, Tesla sales plummet, SpaceX has another failed launch, More companies warn investors about DEI-related boycotts, and Trump suspends student visa interviews

Elon Musk criticized Donald Trump over the recently passed House spending bill, calling it disappointing and financially irresponsible. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Musk said the “big beautiful” bill increases the budget deficit and undermines efforts by the DOGE team.

Tesla’s European sales plummeted 49% in April, with just 7,261 vehicles sold, even as overall electric vehicle demand grew by over 34%, according to ACEA data. The sharp decline underscores mounting challenges for Tesla in a market that’s otherwise booming for EVs.

SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy booster exploded during a test flight on Tuesday—the third failure in a row for the system designed to eventually carry people to the Moon and Mars. The uncrewed launch, Starship’s ninth test, ended with the booster exploding shortly after liftoff and the spacecraft spinning out of control and detonating during reentry after a fuel leak.

According to Politico, the Trump administration is weighing a policy that would require all foreign students applying to study in the U.S. to undergo social media screening—a major expansion of current vetting. A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio orders embassies to pause new student visa interviews to prepare for the potential policy shift.

The Supreme Court declined to hear a Massachusetts student’s challenge after he was barred from wearing a T-shirt stating “there are only two genders.” Justices Alito and Thomas dissented, signaling concern over free speech implications.

A U.S. judge has rejected President Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm WilmerHale, according to court filings reported by Reuters. In a 73-page opinion, Judge Leon emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary and legal profession, stating, “The Founding Fathers knew this!”

More companies are warning investors about the growing risk of backlash over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. In recent regulatory filings, firms like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot have noted that both supporting and rolling back these initiatives carry potential legal, financial, and reputational risks amid intensifying political division.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has condemned the country’s leadership and military actions in Gaza, saying he can no longer defend Israel against war crimes accusations. Citing the prolonged aid blockade and high civilian death toll, Olmert criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right coalition for actions he called indefensible.

Chaos erupted at a Gaza aid distribution site run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on Tuesday, as thousands of Palestinians rushed for food amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The incident follows an 11-week Israeli blockade that has pushed over 2 million people toward famine.