Live Update: Trump Criticizes Elon Musk Over GOP Spending Bill as Diplomatic and Immigration Pressures Mount
June 5, 2025 — Washington, D.C. A series of high-stakes developments unfolded today in Washington, with former President Donald Trump expressing sharp disappointment in Elon Musk, sharing details of a key diplomatic call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and facing mounting pressure from lawmakers regarding deportation protections for Afghan nationals.
Trump Criticizes Elon Musk Over Spending Bill
In a pointed statement during a press briefing, Trump voiced frustration with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who recently criticized the Republican domestic spending bill. The legislation, which includes several of the Trump administration’s priorities, has faced backlash from fiscal conservatives.
“I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill,” Trump said. “I’ve helped Elon a lot.”
Trump’s remarks highlight a rift between himself and Musk, whose influence in politics and media has grown significantly, particularly through his platform X (formerly Twitter). Musk did not hold back in response, posting:
“Without me, Trump would have lost the election. The Democrats would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51–49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude.”
The remarks reflect a growing divide between establishment Republican leadership and politically active tech figures like Musk, who have increasingly challenged party orthodoxy on spending and governance.
Trump Holds Lengthy Call with China’s Xi Jinping
Earlier in the day, Trump confirmed he held a nearly 90-minute phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The conversation, according to Trump, centered largely on trade relations, with both leaders addressing concerns about recent violations of a longstanding trade truce.
Despite heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, Trump described the conversation as constructive and said both he and Xi extended invitations for official visits to their respective countries.
“We’re talking, and that’s important,” Trump said. “Trade is complicated, but we both know the importance of getting it right.”
Lawmakers Demand Protection for Afghan Nationals
Meanwhile, over 100 Democratic lawmakers sent a formal request to the Trump administration, urging the restoration of deportation protections for Afghan nationals living in the U.S. The request comes amid growing concern that many Afghans—particularly women and those who worked alongside U.S. forces—could face serious danger if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
“Forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane,” the letter stated. “It would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families.”
The letter was spearheaded by Representative Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The group is requesting that Afghan nationals be redesignated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which would allow them to remain in the U.S. legally due to unsafe conditions in their home country. The current TPS designation is set to expire on July 14 and would affect an estimated 9,000 individuals.
Conclusion
Today’s events underscore the complex and often contentious dynamics at play in American politics, where personal rivalries, foreign diplomacy, and humanitarian concerns intersect. As debates continue over spending, international relations, and immigration policy, the responses from both political leaders and the public are likely to shape the months ahead.
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