What to know today
- President Donald Trump held a press event in the Oval Office with tech billionaire Elon Musk, who is leaving the White House after spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency’s effort to slash wasteful federal spending.
- The president lauded Musk's work on DOGE and said the tech mogul is "really not leaving" the administration and would be "back and forth."
- PBS and a public television station in Minnesota have filed a lawsuit against Trump and members of his administration over his executive order to cut PBS’ funding.
- At an event in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, today, Trump said he will double tariffs on steel imports.
Judge says DOJ 'utterly disregarded' order in deportation case
A Trump-appointed judge in Maryland chided the administration today for failing to comply with her order in the case of a man she found was improperly deported to a prison in El Salvador.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher found the Justice Department "utterly disregarded this Court’s May 20, 2025 Order" directing it to outline the steps it has taken to "facilitate" the return of a Venezuelan man identified only as Cristian.
"Defendants’ untimely response is the functional equivalent of, 'We haven’t done anything and don’t intend to,'" wrote Gallagher, who was nominated to the court by Trump in his first term.
They "not only ignore the requirements of this Court’s Order, but also make no attempt to offer any justification for their blatant lack of effort to comply," she wrote.
She said the status report filed by the government "disregarded the deadline and the substantive requests in this Court’s May 20, 2025 Order. Instead, Defendants simply reiterated their well-worn talking points on their reasons for removing Cristian and failed to provide any of the information the Court required."
Cristian's case is similar to that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the administration acknowledged should not have been sent to El Salvador, but with some key differences.
While both were deported on the same day, the government said it deported Cristian under the Alien Enemies Act, and has alleged he's a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The judge noted that Cristian came to the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor, and was part of a class action suit she's presided over for years. Under the terms of a settlement agreement with the government in that case, Cristian was supposed to have his asylum claims heard on the merits before he could be deported. Gallagher directed the administration to try to bring him back for proper hearings in a ruling last month.
The judge gave the administration until Monday to "remedy their noncompliance" by providing additional information, and invited the plaintiffs' lawyers to give her input on "any additional relief sought by the Class."
Trump raises steel tariff to 50%, arguing it's 'saved' U.S. Steel
Trump announced during remarks at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh that he will double the tariffs placed on steel imports from 25% to 50%. He told the crowd that the increase will “further secure the steel industry in the United States.”
The American Iron and Steel Institute reported last week that total steel imports have fallen marginally over the last 12 months, but have more rapidly declined in recent months, including a 17% drop from March to April.
Trump said his decision to place tariffs on global steel imports "saved" U.S. Steel, arguing it protected the domestic production company from "outside, horrible influence."
Trump first made the remark while recounting a conversation he had with U.S. Steel President David Burritt, who he claimed first brought the idea of placing tariffs on steel imports to his attention.
"They were dumping steel all over the United States, and we saved it. It was a great honor. And Dave was really the first one that brought it to my attention, and I appreciate it, Dave, you did a good job," Trump said, crediting Burritt for getting "this whole thing started."
NEC council director says he never witnessed Elon Musk using drugs
National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said during an interview today that he never witnessed Elon Musk taking drugs.
Asked during a CNN interview if he had witnessed any drug use, Hassett told host Katie Hunt, "Not even once."
"No, not in a million years. And I could just say that he is a person who's so filled with joy that it's just a natural way that he is, and he's just been absolutely a blast to work with," Hassett said. "And of course, there's no sign whatsoever anything like that."
The New York Times reported earlier today that Musk has consumed drugs intensely, but it was unclear if he had been using them during his stint as a special government employee.
Trump tours U.S. Steel facility ahead of remarks
A group of what appeared to be three U.S. Steel workers gave Trump a brief tour of the corporation’s Irvin processing plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, ahead of the president’s remarks there.
One of the workers presented Trump with what appeared to be a gold safety helmet prior to the tour, which Trump kept in his hand as he looked at the materials and products housed at the facility.
Trump ignored questions from reporters after he neared the group covering the tour, and journalists were soon after moved to a different location, with Trump out of sight. It is unclear what Trump discussed with the workers during the tour.
PBS sues Trump administration over executive order that cut its funding
PBS and a public television station in Minnesota have filed a lawsuit against Trump and members of his administration over his order to cut PBS’ federal funding, calling Trump’s executive order an “unprecedented presidential directive attacking PBS and its member stations ('PBS Member Stations') in a manner that will upend public television.”
They say Trump's executive order makes “no attempt” to hide that funding is being cut off because of the content of PBS programming, and in a desire to alter the content of speech. “That is blatant viewpoint discrimination and an infringement of PBS and PBS Member Stations’ private editorial discretion,” they write.
The EO “smacks of retaliation” for perceived political slights in news coverage, something PBS says would be a violation of the First Amendment.
PBS is asking a federal judge to block several parts of the executive order, including its restrictions on federal funding to PBS member stations.
NPR filed a similar lawsuit last week over the same executive order.
White House responds to questions about Musk's alleged drug use
In response to an inquiry to the White House about the New York Times story on Musk’s alleged drug use and, specifically, whether the White House had requested Musk take a drug test ahead of his formal employment with the federal government or during his time as a special government employee, WH deputy press secretary Harrison Fields provided in a statement to NBC News:
“Few CEOs in America would leave the comfort of the C-suite to serve in the federal government. Yet Elon Musk did just that, joining the Trump Administration’s efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse. DOGE and its core mission is now embedded in the fabric of the federal government and continues to drive efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. In just four months, Elon has accomplished more for American taxpayers than many career politicians—a fact often overlooked by the legacy media.”
Stephen Miller did not directly address NBC News’ question on the issue on whether the White House had concerns about drug use by Musk.
Asked about pardoning Diddy, Trump says he would 'look at the facts'
Trump is not ruling out a pardon for Sean "Diddy" Combs, telling reporters in the Oval Office this afternoon that he would “certainly look at the facts.”
Trump, asked by Fox News’ Peter Doocy whether he would consider taking that step, said “nobody’s asked” but added that “people are thinking about it.”
Trump went on to say that he hasn’t seen or spoken to Combs in years, and that he hasn’t followed Combs’ trial closely.
In a 2012 episode of “The Apprentice,” Trump called Combs “a good friend of mine” and “a good guy.”
In his second term, Trump has issued pardons for various celebrities, including reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley; rapper NBA YoungBoy; and hip-hop star Lil Wayne.
Trump claims: 'I solved inflation'
Trump claimed during the Oval Office press event that he has solved inflation.
"I solved inflation. I believe already I got the fuel prices down. The fuel prices came down," he told reporters.
"You had tremendous inflation — the greatest inflation probably in the history of our country, under Biden ... I know the economy was terrible for the people because they couldn't afford the energy, and the energy brought everything else up," he added. "In four months, we solved it."
On Friday, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the Federal Reserve’s preferred 12-month inflation reading came in at 2.1% for April, down from 2.3% in March and nearly hitting the central bank’s 2% target.
However, the Fed continues to warn that above-target inflation may persist, largely as a direct result of price increases from tariffs.
Musk says his 5-year-old son gave him a black eye
Musk said the mark on his face is a black eye from his 5-year-old son punching him in the face. Asked by a reporter about the mark, Musk said he was playing around with his young son and challenged him.
"I said, 'Go ahead, punch me in the face.' And he did," Musk told reporters.
Trump chimed in, "X could do it!"
"I didn’t really feel much at the time," Musk said. "But I guess it bruises up."
Musk appears to have a mark on his face
Musk appeared to have some sort of mark on his face as he stood next to Trump in the Oval Office. The mark was adjacent to his right eye.
The mark was getting some attention on X, where some users posted close-up photos of Musk's face and asked what the mark was.
Musk wore a black DOGE cap, a black jacket and a black T-shirt with the words, "The Dogefather," in the style of the film title of "The Godfather."
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for information on the mark.
Musk dodges question about article that accused him of drug use
Musk dismissed a question from Fox News' Peter Doocy about a New York Times article this week about his alleged past drug use (NBC News has not confirmed the Times' reporting but Musk has acknowledged taking ketamine as a treatment for depression.)
"Let’s move on," he said after he was asked about the article and accused the Times of false reporting.
Trump says U.S. is close to deals with Israel and Hamas as well as Iran
Trump told reporters that the U.S. is close to reaching agreements between Israel and Hamas as well as with Iran.
"They're very close to an agreement on Gaza, and we'll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow," he said when asked about the status of a proposal for a cease-fire that Israel has accepted and Hamas is considering.
"I think we have a chance of making a deal with Iran," Trump added. "They don't want to be blown up, they would rather make a deal. And I think that could happen in the not too distant future, that would be a great thing that we can have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East."
Musk will 'be back and forth' from White House, Trump says
During his farewell event for Musk, Trump told reporters that many DOGE staffers will remain employed in the federal government, adding, "Elon’s really not leaving, he’s going to be back and forth, I think."
"I have a feeling it’s, it’s his baby and I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things," the president added.
"This is not the end of DOGE, but really the beginning," Musk told reporters after Trump's remarks, adding later, "I’ll continue to be visiting here and be a friend and advisor to the president."
Musk said he will continue to support the DOGE team and their "incredible work."
Trump is now taking questions
Trump and Musk are now taking questions from reporters.
Trump-Musk press event begins at the White House
Trump and Elon Musk have begun a press event in the Oval Office to mark the tech billionaire's last day in the administration.
Earlier this week, Musk announced his departure from the administration and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, where he spearheaded efforts to end wasteful federal spending and downsize government.
As a special government employee, the Tesla CEO was allowed to serve 130 days of the year in government, which he fulfilled.
His departure also comes after he expressed disappointment with the House Republicans' passage of a Trump-backed domestic policy bill that would increase the federal deficit, which Musk said ran contrary to the goals of DOGE.
Trump fires the director of the National Portrait Gallery
Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that he has fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., Kim Sajet.
"Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am herby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet as Director of the National Portrait Gallery. She is a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position. Her replacement will be named shortly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he wrote.
Sajet served as the director of the National Portrait Gallery since 2013. The museum is part of the Smithsonian, which receives some federal funding.
Biden jokes that he's 'mentally incompetent and can't walk' in response to allegations about his mental decline in office
Biden today joked with reporters that, “You can see that I’m mentally incompetent and can’t walk,” when asked about the new reporting in recent weeks that aides close to him masked his mental and physical decline while he was in the White House.
The former president was also asked about Democrats who have said in recent weeks that they had concerns when he decided to run for a second term.
“Why didn’t they run against me, then? I could’ve beaten them,” Biden said.
His remarks came after he delivered a speech in honor of Memorial Day at Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware.
Biden on cancer diagnosis: 'I feel good'
Biden told reporters today that “I feel good” and “all the folks are very optimistic” about his prostate cancer diagnosis, which the former president announced earlier this month.
“The expectation is we’re going to be able to beat this,” he added to reporters.
Biden shared that he has begun treatment and “it’s all a matter of taking a pill.”
The former president’s remarks came after he delivered a speech at the annual Memorial Day event at Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware.
Office of Personnel Management distributes guidance for hiring plan based on merit
The Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the employment of federal workers, distributed guidance to government agencies yesterday that lays out a new hiring plan based on merit.
OPM says this comes in response to "the overly complex Federal hiring system overemphasized discriminatory 'equity' quotas and too often resulted in the hiring of unfit, unskilled bureaucrats."
In an effort to target diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, hiring practices, the guidance tells agencies that one goal is to "prevent the hiring of individuals based on their race, sex, or religion, and prevent the hiring of individuals who are unwilling to defend the Constitution or to faithfully serve the Executive Branch."
It states that to implement these requirements, agencies should "not use statistics on race, sex, ethnicity or national origin, or the broader concept of 'underrepresentation' of certain groups.
To ensure that hiring is based on merit, OPM says that every prospective employee must take a technical or alternative assessment.
OPM also says that federal hiring has focused too much on graduates of elite universities and credentials instead of merit and practical skills.
To recruit younger people to work for the federal government, the guidance says OPM will be "targeting recruitment at state and land-grant universities, religious colleges and universities, community colleges, high schools, trade and technical schools, homeschooling groups, faith-based groups, American Legion, 4-H youth programs, and the military, veterans, and law enforcement communities."
Biden delivers first public remarks since cancer diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden today delivered his first public remarks since a spokesperson for him shared earlier this month that he'd been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
At a Memorial Day event at Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware, the former president spoke about his late son, Beau Biden, who served in the Delaware Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq.
"The proudest day of his life was putting that uniform on. That’s not a joke, that’s not hyperbole, that’s real," the elder Biden said of his son who died of brain cancer in 2015.
The former president did not discuss the current presidential administration or any political news, but made a point about unity in the military, despite national political divisions.
"Our politics have become so divided and so bitter," Biden said. "All the years I've been doing this, I never thought we'd get to this point, but we are."
"Our troops don't wear a uniform that says 'I'm a Democrat' or 'I'm a Republican,'" Biden added. "It says 'I'm an American.'"
This was the former president's second public appearance since his diagnosis was publicly announced. Last week, Biden attended his grandson's high school graduation in Connecticut.
First to NBC: Bipartisan Senate duo calls revoking temporary protected status to Afghans in the U.S. a 'historic betrayal.'
A bipartisan duo of senators is urging the Trump administration to reverse course on revoking the special legal protection for Afghan nationals who came to the United States after the Taliban took over the country in 2021, calling the move "a historic betrayal."
In a new letter, obtained first by NBC News, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reverse course, warning them about the message the move sends to those who have helped the U.S. abroad.
“This decision endangers thousands of lives, including Afghans who stood by the United States,” the letter reads, “This decision represents a historic betrayal of promises made and undermines the values we fought for far more than 20 years in Afghanistan.”
The Trump administration's decision affects more than 8,000 Afghan nationals in the United States who obtained Temporary Protected Status (also known as TPS) to flee the country, many of whom had assisted the U.S. military operation in the country before they withdrew in 2021.
DHS will designate a country as TPS “due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately,” according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
On May 12, Noem announced that TPS for Afghanistan would be terminated effective July 14, saying that after consultation with the State Department, “Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Afghanistan no longer meet the statutory requirements.”
“Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country,” Noem said in a statement announcing the decision, with DHS saying Noem had “determined that permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.”
Shaheen and Murkowski disagree, saying in the letter, “conditions on the ground in Afghanistan have steadily deteriorated with a fragile economy, limited access to basic services and a closing space for fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
“Revoking TPS for Afghans in the United States exposes these individuals to the very real threat of persecution, violence and even death under Taliban rule,” the two write, urging the Trump administration to reconsider the decision. “Beyond the moral and humanitarian obligation, doing so reaffirms to our allies and partners around the world that the United States stands by those who stand with us.”
Trump accuses China of violating Geneva trade agreement
Trump sent stock futures diving this morning after he accused China of breaking a handshake pact the two countries made in Geneva earlier this month that had helped reset a trade standoff.
In a post on Truth Social just after 8 a.m. ET, Trump wrote China “HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US” and signaled a tough response lay ahead.
“So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” the president said.
Economic uncertainty grows amid Trump tariff ruling whiplash
After a federal appeals court paused a trade court’s ruling that found most of Trump’s sweeping tariffs unconstitutional, U.S. markets, businesses and consumers are dealing with the impact of the back and forth, leading to growing economic uncertainty.
U.S.-China trade talks ‘a bit stalled’ and need Trump and Xi to weigh in, Bessent says
Reporting from Beijing
U.S.-China trade talks “are a bit stalled,” requiring the two countries’ leaders to speak directly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News in an interview yesterday.
“I believe that we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks,” he said, adding that there may be a call between the two countries’ leaders “at some point.”
A growing number of lawmakers are looking to ditch Washington for the governor’s mansion
It’s not unusual for popular, term-limited governors to try to keep their political careers going by running for the Senate. It’s much less common for senators to eye the governor’s mansion in their home states.
But this election cycle could potentially see three sitting senators running for governor — something that hasn’t happened in modern history.
Federal appeals court pauses rulings on Trump tariffs, allowing them to continue — for now
A federal appeals court yesterday temporarily paused rulings by a panel of judges that halted several of Trump’s tariffs on international trading partners.
The “judgments and the permanent injunctions entered by the Court of International Trade in these cases are temporarily stayed until further notice,” the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said in a brief ruling.
Trump set to hold media event with Elon Musk at the White House
Trump is set to hold a media event with Elon Musk, a key architect of the Department of Government Efficiency, this afternoon at the White House as the tech billionaire concludes his tenure as a “special government employee.”
Trump announced the event, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET, on his social media site.
“This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Elon is terrific!”