Trump admin live updates: White House drops NASA nominee with Musk ties

The Senate was expected to vote on Jared Isaacman next week.

ByDavid Brennan, Alexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: June 1, 2025, 5:37 PM EDT

President Donald Trump on Friday claimed China violated its trade agreement with the U.S. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said talks between the world's two largest economies stalled.

This week, Trump's global tariff policy hit a major roadblock as two federal courts ruled he does not have the power to unilaterally impose some levies. The tariffs can stay in place, for now, as the court considers the administration's appeal.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk is leaving his role as a "special government employee" but is expected to remain an unofficial adviser to Trump.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
May 30, 2025, 2:19 PM EDT

Trump gives Musk gift

President Donald Trump, as an expression of gratitude, gave Elon Musk a gift of what appeared to be a gold key. The president said he appreciated all Musk had done.

"Elon gave an incredible service to nobody like him. And, he had to go through, the slings and the arrows, which is a shame because, he's an incredible patriot," Trump said before handing the gift to Musk.

Elon Musk receives a golden key from U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, May 30, 2025.
Evan Vucci/AP

Musk accepted the gift, thanking Trump. He then complimented the president on the renovations done to the Oval Office.

May 30, 2025, 2:14 PM EDT

Musk 'accepted the outrageous abuse,' Trump says

President Donald Trump said Elon Musk "willingly accepted the outrageous abuse and slander and lies and attacks" because the South African native loves the U.S.

"I know that very much," Trump said. "He loves our country."

Trump's remarks come on the heels of a New York Times report that detailed Musk's alleged drug use and family drama.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 30, 2025.
Nathan Howard/Reuters

May 30, 2025, 2:09 PM EDT

Musk will be 'back and forth,' Trump says

As President Donald Trump bids farewell to Elon Musk's work as a federal government employee, he said he believes Musk "is really not leaving."

"He's going to be back and forth, I think," Trump said. "I have a feeling. It's his baby, and I think he's going to be doing a lot of things."

Trump also said his administration is "totally committed to making the DOGE cuts permanent."

President Donald Trump looks on as Elon Musk speaks during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP

May 30, 2025, 2:07 PM EDT

Trump claims DOGE cost savings could 'double and triple'

President Donald Trump said the Department of Government Efficiency has done "substantial" cost savings, and that the "numbers could double or triple" in Elon Musk's wake.

"We don't want to go out with them until we're sure, but we've found things that are unbelievably stupid and unbelievably bad," Trump said.

President Donald Trump looks on as Elon Musk speaks during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola