Perhaps every single illegal that gets some "stay" on deportation by an activist judge should then be criminally prosecuted for illegally entering the U.S. and every other crime they may have committed while here, including working illegally without a permit, driving illegally, etc.

Deportation or prison, their choice. I think the activist judges would stop granting "stays" when they know for certain there will be criminal prosecution instead. And the illegals would stop filing the cases in the first place.

Meanwhile the entire blather-sphere of "news media" is talking nonstop about Trump v. Musk. From some angles this looks like a diversion to keep the media occupied.

Regarding Musk himself, in his position over several companies, he can pretty much say and do what he wants, and the people under him have to accept it. If they object publicly, he can fire them, and he has. He doesn't really have to play politics. I don't know how he has time to "tweet" so much, and I suspect he has "people" handling it for him.

He is also pretty rational, and neuro-diverse, and I think he underestimated the vitriol he would face from the left for uncovering their massive money laundering schemes via DOGE. I personally did not expect the fire-bombing of Tesla dealerships or people putting bumper stickers on their Teslas claiming they bought it before Musk aligned with Trump.

I can understand his frustration at doing all the DOGE work and then seeing a bill loaded up with pork that does too little to reduce deficit spending, and even speaking out about it. However, there is no way to pass any spending bill in Congress without greasing all the Senators and Representatives that vote for it. Congress is addicted to buying votes via spending and unless someone somehow forces reform that they themselves would still have to vote to approve, it's not going to change. Trump is working within this context and understands politics far better than Musk.

The only thing that will change Congress is when the debt gets so high, our debt rating and the dollar itself collapses, and we have another great depression. Congress avoids passing anything that can be used against them in the future, won't pass a budget, delegates their constitutional duties to regulatory agencies, and forces the Supreme Court to decide big issues due to lack of legislation. In a word, they suck, and they will be the death of this country.

If this were Trump's first term and he had 7 more years, then maybe he could force some change in Congress. But they all know he will be out in 3.5 years, and someone else will be President.

quote:

At first impression, it makes no sense that Musk would start firing away at the (admittedly imperfect) budget bill, or escalate to DefCon 1, by tweeting nonsense about impeachment, the Epstein files, or disengaging his space efforts from the U.S. agenda to stay preeminent in space.

I agree with VDH, that when I first heard of this on Thursday, it made zero sense, it was absolutely insane and bizarre as if it was fiction, I couldn't believe it was actually real. But as the layers peeled away, and Musk's X posts became more aggressive, this became the likely answer:

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I hate to say it, but I think "CC" is correct. Musk has demonstrated a lack of mental stability and should be deemed a security risk, never again to be allowed in President Trump's presence.

Musk cracked, and I don't know when. Perhaps becoming the 2nd most hated man in the country, along with burning Teslas broke him, pushed over the edge. Maybe the extreme high of the campaign, Trump winning the election, the pageantry of the early days of the administration, all suddenly disappearing when reality of a difficult journey for Trump and his policies became reality, along with Musk's diminished role, pushed him over the edge even further.

Musk was without a doubt one of Trump's closest supporters in his inner circle, and I doubt anyone of us saw this coming. But the man is damaged, he had burnt bridges to Trump and his administration. He has reportedly deleted most if not all of his crazy posts and is trying in vain to speak to Trump, but the damage is done. And this is very different from Chris Christie or Mike Pence backstabbing him, a whole different animal.

Just give it time.

Musk is trying to do what he thinks is best for the country with DOGE, X, and other actions. To see the response from the leftist public - the demonization, attacks on cars and dealerships, drop in stock price, etc. - has to have an effect. This is his life's work and livelihood. We already know that he is high-functioning autistic, and that means he is less likely to predict and understand emotional reactions in others.

So many companies support leftism, DEI, BLM, etc. publicly and generally no one really does anything to them, except the drop in sales at Bud Light and pushback on Target for trans-kid clothes. But supporting the right, or supporting true freedom of speech? Look out they will try to destroy you.

And Musk was hitting them where it counts most - cutting off their near endless supply of laundered government money used to push all of their "causes".

To go through all of this in the name of cutting spending and fiscal responsibility only to see a bill with a lot of pork that doesn't reduce the deficit being pushed by Republicans is a slap in the face from his point of view. I said earlier you have to grease everyone to get something through Congress, and ultimately all over spending is Congress' fault. And I think Musk actually believed that the Republicans really would be different this time. But they aren't, they are addicted to spending to buy votes and get kickbacks as much as the Democrats. They just spend on different things.

He's not stable. His behavior these past few days has made that apparent.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfr...dkt_nbr=010504ae3954

Vance: Musk Making 'Huge Mistake' Going After Trump

Vice President JD Vance said Elon Musk was making a “huge mistake” going after President Donald Trump in a storm of bitter and inflammatory social media posts after a falling out between the two men.

But the vice president, in an interview released Friday after the very public blow up between the world's richest man and arguably the world's most powerful, also tried to downplay Musk’s blistering attacks as an “emotional guy” who got frustrated.

“I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear,” Vance said.

Vance’s comments come as other Republicans in recent days have urged the two men, who months ago were close allies spending significant time together, to mend fences.

Musk's torrent of social media posts attacking Trump came as the president portrayed him as disgruntled and “CRAZY” and threatened to cut the government contracts held by his businesses.

Musk, who runs electric vehicle maker Tesla, internet company Starlink and rocket company SpaceX, lambasted Trump's centerpiece tax cuts and spending bill but also suggested Trump should be impeached and claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about the president's association with infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

“Look, it happens to everybody," Vance said in the interview. “I’ve flown off the handle way worse than Elon Musk did in the last 24 hours.”

Vance made the comments in an interview with “ manosphere” comedian Theo Von, who last month joked about snorting drugs off a mixed-race baby and the sexuality of men in the U.S. Navy when he opened for Trump at a military base in Qatar.

The vice president told Von that as Musk for days was calling on social media for Congress to kill Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill,” the president was “getting a little frustrated, feeling like some of the criticisms were unfair coming from Elon, but I think has been very restrained because the president doesn't think that he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk.”

“I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine," he added.

Musk appeared by Saturday morning to have deleted his posts about Epstein.

The interview was taped Thursday as Musk's posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns.

During the interview, Von showed the vice president Musk's claim that Trump’s administration hasn’t released all the records related to sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them.

Vance responded to that, saying, “Absolutely not. Donald Trump didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein.”

“This stuff is just not helpful,” Vance said in response to another post shared by Musk calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance.

“It’s totally insane. The president is doing a good job.”

Vance called Musk an “incredible entrepreneur,” and said that Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which sought to cut government spending and laid off or pushed out thousands of workers, was “really good.”

The vice president also defended the bill that has drawn Musk's ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Trump's first term.

The bill would slash spending but also leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance and spike deficits by $2.4 trillion over the decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Musk has warned that the bill will increase the federal deficit and called it a “disgusting abomination.”

“It's a good bill," Vance said. "It's not a perfect bill.”

He also said it was ridiculous for some House Republicans who voted for the bill but later found parts objectional to claim they hadn't had time to read it.

Vance said the text had been available for weeks and said, “the idea that people haven't had an opportunity to actually read it is ridiculous.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Vance laughed as Von cracked jokes about famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass' sexuality.

“We're gonna talk to the Smithsonian about putting up an exhibit on that,” Vance joked. “And Theo Von, you can be the narrator for this new understanding of the history of Frederick Douglass.”

The podcaster also asked the vice president if he “got high” on election night to celebrate Trump's victory.

Vance laughed and joked that he wouldn't admit it if he did.

“I did not get high," he then said. "I did have a fair amount to drink that night.”

The interview was taped in Nashville at a restaurant owned by musician Kid Rock, a Trump ally.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
He's not stable. His behavior these past few days has made that apparent.

That's pretty much the only explanation that makes sense, sorry to say.


...

And now this about Elon.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/...TNME%2ByWTcORt7W4%3D

Musk Mulls New Political Party Amid Feud With Trump

Musk says it would cater to the middle 80 percent of U.S. voters and hinted it could be named the ‘America Party.’

Elon Musk is considering launching a new political party in the wake of his public fallout with President Donald Trump over a major Republican tax and spending bill.

In a series of social media posts beginning on June 5, Musk floated the idea of a third party that would serve what he called the “80 percent of American voters in the middle.” He asked his followers on X to weigh in on whether the country needed a new political force—drawing a “yes” response from around 80 percent of respondents, which Musk described as “fate.”
The next day, he voiced support for a suggestion to call the new party the “America Party,” a name that echoes his existing political vehicle, America PAC, which he launched last year to back candidates aligned with what he has called “the core values of America.” Those values include secure borders, sensible spending, safe cities, a fair justice system, self-protection, and free speech.

Through America PAC, Musk donated nearly $300 million to Republican campaigns in the 2024 cycle, including significant support for Trump’s presidential bid. Although Musk has recently signaled he plans to scale back political donations, he left the door open to funding efforts he finds especially important.
The rupture with Trump came after Musk lambasted the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sprawling legislative package backed by the White House. Musk, who served as a special government employee in the Trump administration until late May, called the bill a “disgusting abomination” and accused it of being stuffed with wasteful spending.
The White House said the bill includes $1.7 trillion in mandatory savings over the next decade and represents a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term fiscal strategy to boost the American economy.

Trump, for his part, has alleged that the billionaire was angry because the bill would cut electric vehicle (EV) tax credits—a claim Musk has denied.

The feud ratcheted up a notch when Trump publicly questioned whether his relationship with Musk could be salvaged, telling reporters at the Oval Office on June 5, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”

The president also threatened to slash government subsidies and contracts to Musk’s companies, writing on Truth Social that “the easiest way to save money in our Budget… is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.”
Musk, who is the CEO for SpaceX and Tesla, initially responded by threatening to begin decommissioning SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsules—the U.S. space program’s only active means of human spaceflight—but later backed down.

Asked how serious he was about cutting contracts, Trump said on June 6, “We’ll take a look at everything,” noting the amount of taxpayer resources involved.

“It’s a lot of money. It’s a lot of subsidy,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “So we'll take a look at that, only if it’s fair for him and for the country ... but it has to be fair.”

Pressed further on whether he would reconsider ties with Musk, the president declined to comment extensively, saying only, “I just wish him well.” He added that his focus was on major global issues like China, Russia, and Iran, not personal disagreements.
Musk, 54, signaled that his political involvement may be far from over, framing himself as a long-haul player in U.S. politics. “Trump has 3.5 years left as President,” he posted, “but I will be around for 40+ years.”
Still, Musk stopped short of committing to a formal break from the GOP. When one user suggested that “the best bang for your buck” was influencing Republican primaries, Musk replied, “Ok.”
Another follower urged him to reform one of the existing two major parties “from the inside out” rather than launch a new one, to which Musk responded with a noncommittal “Hmm.”
Whether Musk actually follows through with launching a political party remains an open question, but his public musings suggest he and his billions intend to be politically engaged.

^^^^^^^^. The only thing that would accomplish is electing a democrat. Ross Perot anyone?

I also have a problem with these filthy rich people influencing elections. Some type of reform in that regard would be a welcome thing. I don't care if it's Musk, Soros, Gates, Zuckerberg, or whoever. These people have WAY too much power with regard to elections. I'd support something like a $1000 maximum contribution per person.

https://www.americanthinker.co...of_donald_trump.html

When Access Breeds Arrogance: Elon Musk’s Betrayal of Donald Trump

In politics and business, access is power. It opens doors, builds alliances, and can forge lasting partnerships. But what happens when access leads not to loyalty, but to arrogance? The recent fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the consequences when respect is thrown aside.

Access to the highest levels of government or industry isn’t given lightly. It reflects not just personal favor but a deep responsibility—the trust to represent and uphold certain values and relationships. However, when that access is abused or taken for granted, it can quickly lead to fractured bonds and damaging fallout.

The Oval Office Access That Went Too Far

During Trump’s presidency, Elon Musk was granted unusual access to the Oval Office. Unlike typical guests or advisors who maintain a professional demeanor, Musk reportedly walked in and out like he owned the place—often dressed in a casual, nightclub-like style rather than the formality the White House commands. This wasn’t just a fashion statement; it symbolized a deeper problem.

In Washington, appearances matter. The Oval Office is not just any office; it is the epicenter of American power and diplomacy. Entering it dressed like you’re headed to a nightclub isn’t just breaking dress code—it’s a subtle signal of disrespect to the institution and the officeholder. This kind of casual disregard for decorum can erode respect from colleagues, the public, and even the leader himself.

Such casual disrespect sends the wrong message, not just to Trump but to the public. It suggested Musk saw himself as more than a guest—as if he held ownership over the relationship, the office, and ultimately, Trump himself. This attitude planted the seeds for a growing divide that would soon surface publicly.

Donald Trump showed considerable patience putting up with this behavior longer than most would have expected. But such tolerance only goes so far.

Adding to this sense of entitlement, Musk brought his young son, X Æ A-Xii, into the Oval Office during official meetings. This wasn’t a mere visit; the child was allowed to play with the Resolute Desk, a sacred symbol of the presidency. Such actions blur the lines between professional and personal and further underscore Musk’s belief that he could treat the Oval Office as his own domain. This behavior not only disrespects the office but also sets a concerning precedent for future interactions between private individuals and public institutions.

When you have access to someone like the President of the United States, it requires humility and respect. Acting otherwise can create tension and misunderstandings, setting the stage for conflict down the road.

From Alliance to Betrayal

What once appeared as a promising alliance has unraveled into a one-sided betrayal. Musk’s recent public attacks on Trump—from spreading baseless accusations regarding Trump’s alleged involvement in the Epstein files to even calling for impeachment—feel less like principled criticism and more like personal vendettas.

It’s worth noting how quickly political alliances can shift. In the high-stakes world of politics and influence, friends can become foes overnight, especially when ego and power are involved. Musk’s attacks have shocked many who saw him as a potential ally or at least a neutral figure.

The claims about Trump and the Epstein files are not just politically charged; they’re flat-out false. Musk’s readiness to amplify these unfounded accusations raises serious questions about his motivations. Is this about justice and truth, or about settling scores and power plays?

Musk’s behavior in this regard seems reckless and harmful, not only to Trump but to the public discourse. Spreading misinformation or unsubstantiated claims undermines trust in leadership and institutions—a dangerous game in today’s already divided society.

Leadership Demands More Than Power Plays

True leadership isn’t about staging public feuds or leveraging access for personal gain. It’s rooted in integrity, loyalty, and consistency. When someone you’ve given a seat at the table turns around and attacks you, it’s not just betrayal—it’s a fundamental breakdown of trust.

Leadership requires a steady commitment to values that transcend personal gain or temporary advantage. It demands the ability to disagree respectfully, to uphold shared goals, and to foster unity rather than division.

Musk’s behavior signals a troubling shift. His arrogance, fueled by the access he was given, has clouded judgment and undermined the values that should guide anyone in a position of influence. It serves as a stark reminder: access without respect leads to chaos.

Many leaders in history have shown how access combined with humility and loyalty can lead to strong, lasting partnerships. The opposite—access combined with arrogance—often ends in conflict and regret.

The Myth of Musk as Kingmaker

With all due respect, this idea that Musk somehow “made” Trump or saved the GOP is laughable. Musk wasn’t on the ballot—Trump was. And Trump won because of his policies, his fight for the American worker, and his ability to take on the establishment. Musk tweets a lot, but tweeting doesn’t pass legislation, renegotiate trade deals, or secure the border.

Let’s also not pretend Musk isn’t knee-deep in government money. Billions in subsidies, contracts, and tax breaks—all thanks to the very system Trump helped shape and run. If Musk wants to play political kingmaker while cashing government checks, he should expect some consequences. Trump’s right to call it out. Loyalty goes both ways.

Musk has even claimed Trump “would have lost the election without [his] money,” and that Trump showed “ingratitude” toward him. But honestly, Elon got it wrong on both counts. Trump didn’t need Musk’s money to win; his policies and connection with the American people carried the day. And when it comes to gratitude, it’s Musk who betrayed the loyalty and trust extended to him—not the other way around.

Honestly, the pearl-clutching over Trump’s comments is tiring. If Musk wants a war, he picked the wrong guy. Trump doesn’t need him—never did. The results speak for themselves.

The relationship between Musk and Trump offers a clear lesson in humility and loyalty. Access is a privilege, not a right. When that privilege breeds arrogance and betrayal, both parties—and the public—suffer. As we watch this saga unfold, it’s a call to demand more from our leaders and influencers: respect the roles you’re given, honor the trust placed in you, and above all, lead with integrity.

In a world where power is often fleeting, it’s character and respect that leave a lasting legacy. Musk’s story with Trump reminds us all to keep those values front and center—no matter how high you rise.

Musk is giving Kanye vibes.

Trump pulling the nomination of Jared Issacman to be administrator of NASA earlier this week may very well been the last straw for Musk. There was deep skepticism of Issacman, a very close friend and billionaire colleague of Musk who has supported and donated to various Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, and was a DEI supporter as well. And it seems Musk may have been stepping on toes, trying too hard to be a bigger influence in decisions regarding White House business.

https://dailycaller.com/2025/0...on-pulled-elon-musk/

Elon needs to hit the brakes on the Crazytown Express.

quote:

Originally posted by Lefty Sig:
Perhaps every single illegal that gets some "stay" on deportation by an activist judge should then be criminally prosecuted for illegally entering the U.S. and every other crime they may have committed while here, including working illegally without a permit, driving illegally, etc.

If they're between 18 and 25, regardless of their legal status they commit a Felony for not registering for Selective Service.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
^^^^^^^^. The only thing that would accomplish is electing a democrat. Ross Perot anyone?

I also have a problem with these filthy rich people influencing elections. Some type of reform in that regard would be a welcome thing. I don't care if it's Musk, Soros, Gates, Zuckerberg, or whoever. These people have WAY too much power with regard to elections. I'd support something like a $1000 maximum contribution per person.

I don’t agree. Are you satisfied with the “big beautiful bill” and the republicans saying “we’re not going to put any more on this credit card. Also republicans- we’re going to open a New credit card to put stuff on” Most all of the reckless spending Elon found is being funded. You ok with that?

We have election finance laws already. Just like with taxes billionaires have hundreds of ways to get around them. Until you solve that, more laws will not help.

The "Big, Beautiful Bill"- I'm willing to give Trump the chance, willing to give him what he's asking for, willing to have faith in his vision and the opportunity to see it through to the best of our ability.

Donald Trump is our last, final and only hope. Otherwise we're fucked so what do we have to lose.

Trump has earned my trust and loyalty by the sacrifices he's made for us. America's been blessed by having the right man at the right time.

I spent the last 5 years dreaming of a Trump second term. It's here, now. Let him run with it. We owe him that much.

Mitch

Congress won't pass a spending bill unless it is filled with pork for their states and favored friends, which is then laundered into kickbacks by corrupt executive branch agencies that dole the money out to the NGO's and non-profits. This is the problem and Elon is making it absolutely clear via DOGE.

At this point it is fair to say the majority of discretionary government expenditures are stolen by corrupt "rent seekers" while very little of the money actually goes to the intended causes.

So how do you change it? The only option is constitutional amendments proposed and passed by the states WITHOUT Congress.

The Big Beautiful Bill will do some good, and is better than anything Biden did. BUT overall spending is not going down and debt continues to increase and sooner or later there will be a day or reckoning when we can't borrow any more, our credit rating is in the toilet, and massive cuts will have to be made. Most of the people responsible for this mess will be gone by then - you know the people that have been running Congress for the past 40 years that have become rich on the backs of The People.

Trump Makes History by Tapping Ex-Federal Inmate for a Top Position in Bureau of Prisons

https://newsaddicts.com/trump-..._campaign=newsletter

In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration appointed a former federal inmate as second in command of the federal Bureau of Prisons.

Joshua J. Smith, whom President Donald Trump pardoned during his first presidency, will serve as deputy director of the agency, NBC News reported Friday.

Never before has a former federal prisoner worked as an employee for the BOP, much less in a leadership role.

“Josh brings to this role something our agency has never had before at this level, a perspective shaped by lived experience, proven innovation and national impact,” Director William K. Marshall III said in a memo Thursday.

“His firsthand understanding of our facilities — of the tension, the risk and the importance of trust — makes him uniquely positioned to advocate for the resources and reforms front-line staff need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”



In 1998, Smith began a five-year sentence in a Kentucky prison after pleading guilty to marijuana and cocaine trafficking, according to The Knoxville News Sentinel in 2021.

It was in prison that he discovered mentors who taught him about God.

Upon his release, Smith became a successful entrepreneur in Knoxville, Tennessee, and sold his residential waterproofing business, Master Service Companies.

In 2019, he put $8 million into launching the faith-based nonprofit Fourth Purpose, which helps inmates transform their lives in prison and once they get out.

2019 was also the year he applied for a presidential pardon.

Trump pardoned Smith on the last day of his presidency in 2021.

“What God has allowed me to experience in my life is just unbelievable. It’s a miracle unto itself. There’s no reason I should be here,” Smith said after Trump pardoned him.

“Somebody just texted me the words, ‘Man you deserve it.’ And I texted them back and said no I don’t. I don’t deserve any of the things I’ve got. I did break the law. I did things that hurt people. Drugs hurt people. But yet God in his grace and mercy has allowed me to have the things I have. This is just the cherry on top.”

https://www.newsmax.com/newsma...dkt_nbr=010102t8cqat

Dick Morris to Newsmax: Trump-Musk Feud Hiding News on Budget Bill

People are so "riveted" on the feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk that they've missed two pieces of news that will change the entire debate of passing the "one big beautiful bill," Trump adviser Dick Morris said on Newsmax Saturday.

"Well, I'm not a marriage counselor, so I can't talk about [their] relationship, but I am a political consultant, so let's talk about the BBB," Morris told Newsmax's "The Count."

The first news is that the Federal Reserve Board said the GDP has grown by 4.7% in the first two months of this quarter, said Morris.

"To put that in perspective, the Congressional Budget Office says it will grow by 1.8%, and if it grows by 3.0%, the budget will be balanced," he said. "This bill will not add to the deficit at all so at 4.7%, the bill will do no harm to the deficit and be fabulous."

The second news is that in the last quarter, U.S. exports to other countries have soared, while imports from other countries have crashed, Morris said.
"Our imports are less than half of what they were a month earlier, so Trump's tariffs are absolutely working and they'll continue to work and that's wonderful," he said.

Morris added that Trump's tariffs have already brought in more than $100 billion, "and are probably going to bring in, the Fed says, $4 trillion over ten years. So, between that extra revenue that can be used for Medicaid or any of the cuts that people are upset about and the projections of growth and the success of his tariffs, this guy is sitting in clover."

The key to winning the midterm elections in 2026 is the economy, he continued.

"After Trump was elected in 2016, all of his advisers sat down, John McLaughlin told me, because he was there and he said that the issue was, are we going to focus on Obamacare or are we going to focus on tax cuts? And they decided to focus on Obamacare, and John McCain screwed it up," Morris noted.

"They never got Obamacare. And the tax cuts didn't get passed until the end of December 2017. That was just too late to have any impact on the midterm elections that were in November. And Trump lost 40 seats in the House."

But this time around, Trump's executive actions are laying the predicate for passing the budget bill, Morris added.

"His tariffs and his policies have kindled such growth and such revenues, they have no excuse but to pass it," he concluded.