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Donald Trump has raged on Truth Social that the US is “a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World!” in response to Wednesday’s suspected terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, the second of which saw one of his friend Elon Musk’s TeslaCybertruck’s blown up outside a Trump-owned luxury hotel in the Nevada city.
“This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership,” the president-elect declared.
“The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job.
“They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself.”
He continued: “The USA is breaking down – A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.”
Meanwhile, Mike Johnson may have Trump’s backing to retain his position as Speaker of the House, but Friday’s vote could go to multiple rounds given his slim majority, forcing him to negotiate with holdouts in his own party.
Timeline: Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s tumultuous relationship
But, it blossomed to end the year.
In recent months, the tech billionaire has become the self-titled “first buddy” to the president-elect, but their relationship has not always been rosy. Before the campaign rallies, compliments and close proximity lodgings, the pair have had their fair share of public disagreements and even exchanged insults.
With rumors swirling of a potential end to the honeymoon period between Trump and Musk – sources report that Trump is already becoming “annoyed” with his wealthy friend – here is a look back at their often tumultuous relationship:
Mike Bedigan2 January 2025 20:40
Trump calls Rep Chip Roy ahead of speaker vote
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 20:31
Even with Trump endorsement, Johnson’s future still uncertain
The Trump loyalist’s term as speaker began after he emerged as a consensus candidate last fall, thanks to his ability to win over both moderates and institutionalist Republicans while also maintaining friendly(ish) ties with his party’s frenzied right wing. His election occurred after the chamber was shut down for nearly a month following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, his predecessor, from the speaker’s chair by a rebellion within the GOP caucus.
The congressman from Louisiana has maintained shaky control of his caucus since late October of last year, buoyed in part by a weariness resulting from that chaotic speakerless period. Whether that will continue into the new Congress, however, still remains uncertain.
John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 20:25
Rep Victoria Spartz undecided on Johnson, wants Gingrich-style contract with America
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 20:20
Watch: Incoming Trump border czar maintains ‘gut feeling’ over terrorism and Las Vegas explosion
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 20:15
Biden received updates on terrorist attack in New Orleans and car explosion in Las Vegas
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 20:09
Johnson meeting with Freedom Caucus ahead of speaker vote
Mike Johnson is holding a meeting with members of the Freedom Caucus who are undecided or looking for commitments regarding tomorrow’s speakership vote.
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 20:03
ANALYSIS: Will Mike Johnson make it? What to look out for ahead of Friday’s House speaker vote
The House and Senate will convene on Friday for the start of the new Congress, giving Donald Trump a Republican trifecta when he returns to Washington 17 days later. The House’s first order of business? Embarking on the semi-annual tradition of cat-herding that is the vote for speaker.
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 19:58
Army vet shot himself in the head before his rented Cybertruck exploded outside Trump hotel, cops say
James Liddell and Mike Bedigan report:
On Thursday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators were confident that Livelsberger was the person in the vehicle, though his body was “burned beyond recognition.” He added that there was evidence that he had suffered a gunshot wound to the head prior to the blast.
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 19:47
Sheriff: Cybertruck specs prevented a bigger explosion and more damage to Trump hotel
Oliver O’Connell2 January 2025 19:35
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