China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
OpenAI Moves to Acquire Neptune as It Expands AI Training Capabilities 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
Trump Claims He Will Void Biden Documents Signed with Autopen 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Rio Tinto Raises 2025 Copper Output Outlook as Oyu Tolgoi Expansion Accelerates 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Airline Loyalty Programs Face New Uncertainty as Visa–Mastercard Fee Settlement Evolves 
Magnum Audit Flags Governance Issues at Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Ahead of Spin-Off 
President Donald Trump stated Thursday he has no plans to revoke federal subsidies for Elon Musk’s companies, despite escalating tensions with the tech billionaire. Trump emphasized his desire for Musk’s businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, to “thrive,” countering speculation that his administration might target them following a public dispute over tax policy.
The clash began after Musk criticized Trump’s sweeping tax and spending legislation, warning it could bankrupt the country. Musk, who launched a new political party in July, argued that claims about subsidies were misleading, noting SpaceX won NASA contracts competitively by delivering results at lower costs. He warned that redirecting contracts to other firms would increase taxpayer expenses and disrupt astronaut missions.
Tesla, however, has historically benefited from billions in tax credits for electric vehicle sales. Upcoming legislation signed by Trump will phase out a $7,500 new EV credit and $4,000 used EV credit on September 30, potentially impacting Tesla’s sales. Musk recently cautioned investors about “rough quarters” ahead due to reduced government incentives for EV makers.
The fallout marks a stark shift in their once-close relationship. Musk previously spent over $250 million to support Trump’s presidential campaign and led a federal cost-cutting initiative before exiting the administration in May. Following Musk’s criticism, Trump reportedly considered canceling federal contracts with SpaceX and directed reviews of its multibillion-dollar agreements with NASA and the Defense Department.
Despite the rift, SpaceX remains a key contender for Trump’s $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense project. However, officials are now exploring additional partners, signaling possible challenges to Musk’s dominance in upcoming federal defense initiatives.
This development highlights growing political and economic stakes for U.S. space and EV industries amid shifting federal policies.
