Donald Trump News Live: Elon Musk criticizes Trump administration over Jeffrey Epstein case arrests

Tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized President Donald Trump's administration on Monday regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, The Hill said in a report. Musk, described as a former ally who is now a foe of the president, posted an image on the social platform X showing "The Official Jeffrey Epstein Pedophile Arrest Counter" with the number set to "0000." The post was accompanied by the text, “What’s the time? Oh look, it’s no-one-has-been-arrested-o’clock..."

A federal bench trial began in Boston on Monday concerning a lawsuit that challenges a Trump administration policy of arresting and deporting faculty and students for their participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and other political activities, according to a report in AP. The lawsuit, filed by several university associations against President Donald Trump and members of his administration, contends the policy violates the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act. The plaintiffs are asking U.S. District Judge William Young to rule the policy unconstitutional.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia played a role in helping the United States achieve its independence as part of an effort to strengthen ties with President Donald Trump's administration, according to a report in Newsweek. The statement from the Russian leader is described as part of a continued effort to improve relations with the U.S. following Donald Trump's return to the presidency earlier this year.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would support the Washington Commanders changing their name back to the Redskins, according to a report in The Hill. Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that if the team started winning more, he could accept the current 'Commanders' name, suggesting that "winning can make everything sound good."

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina defended President Donald Trump against criticism that his approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin is "too easy," labeling the accusation as "hogwash" during an interview on "Fox News Sunday," according to a report in The Hill. Scott, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the comments in response to questions about Trump's policy as the current administration works to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The Trump administration's Department of Justice and FBI have concluded that Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide and that there is no evidence of an incriminating "client list" or that he blackmailed powerful figures, according to a report in Axios. A memo detailing the findings states that video footage, which is being released, supports the 2019 suicide ruling by showing no one entered the area of Epstein's prison cell on the night he died. The report's conclusions contradict conspiracy theories previously promoted by Kash Patel and Dan Bongino prior to their appointments to the FBI. The memo also states that no further charges will be filed in the case and that no further disclosure of materials will be warranted to protect victims and innocent individuals.

Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi of New York stood by his decision to vote against the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' a large legislative package associated with President Donald Trump's agenda, the New York Post said in a report. Suozzi, who represents a district covering parts of Queens and Long Island, acknowledged that he is in agreement with approximately three-quarters of the bill's content. His opposition to the overall package highlights a political situation where specific provisions or partisan branding can lead a lawmaker to vote against a bill despite supporting the majority of its substance.

Former Republican mayoral candidate Fernando Mateo is endorsing current Mayor Eric Adams for re-election and has publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for his intervention, according to a report in the New York Post. Mateo urged Trump on Sunday to persuade Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee in the 2021 mayoral election, to withdraw from the upcoming race. The objective of this request is to deliver the Republican Party's ballot line to Adams, a Democrat, in an effort to consolidate support.

President Donald Trump has issued a major disaster declaration for Texas following devastating floods in the state, The Daily Wire says in a report. The declaration, made under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts and provides federal funding for affected individuals and for public infrastructure repairs. This formal action is a critical step in mobilizing federal resources for large-scale recovery operations in the flood-stricken regions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended President Donald Trump's trade policies by stating that "tariff derangement syndrome" has "infected the discussion," according to a report in The Washington Times. Bessent, a key economic advisor in the administration, used the phrase to suggest that criticism of the president's use of tariffs is not based on sound economic reasoning but rather on an irrational, politically motivated opposition to Trump himself. This rhetoric echoes the term "Trump Derangement Syndrome," which has been used by the president's supporters to dismiss critics. The comments address the ongoing controversy and debate surrounding the economic effects of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Several Republican-led states are reportedly considering the construction of new detention facilities for undocumented immigrants, as per a report in Fox News. The proposed facilities are inspired by a Florida model, rhetorically dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," a concept that has been celebrated by President Donald Trump. This development comes as the White House reportedly encourages states to follow Florida's approach to immigration enforcement.

First Lady Melania Trump joined President Donald Trump in his 'signature dance' during the White House's Independence Day celebration, according to a report in the New York Post. The first couple was observed together as they concluded their July 4th festivities, with the First Lady shimmying alongside the president. The 'signature dance' is a gesture that originated and became well-known from President Trump's political rallies.

President Donald Trump has chosen a 30-year-old to lead a federal watchdog agency, a selection drawing scrutiny over the nominee's past actions, according to a report in CNN. The pick has previously shared a video promoting a 9/11 conspiracy theory and reportedly has connections to an individual known for Holocaust denial. The appointment to the key government oversight role is notable for the candidate's young age and controversial background.

A U.S. F-16 fighter jet intercepted a general aviation aircraft on Saturday after it entered a temporarily restricted airspace over President Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, according to a report in the New York Post. The fighter jet was dispatched to escort the private plane out of the restricted zone. The incident involved a violation of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), which is standard security protocol when the President is present at the location.

The family of a Canadian national who supported President Donald Trump's immigration policies is now expressing betrayal after she was detained by ICE during her green card interview, according to a report in The Guardian. The woman's husband, US citizen and self-identified Trump voter Francisco Olivera, stated they feel "totally blindsided" and that he wants his "vote back" after his wife, Cynthia Olivera, was detained by federal agents in California. The family had previously been supporters of the president's plans for mass deportations.

President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans are actively targeting states that count ballots received after Election Day, a practice they criticize for causing delays and fueling conspiracy fears, according to a report in AP. A presidential order signed in March asserts that federal law prohibits counting such ballots. This initiative has reportedly motivated Republican-led states to pursue changes, while Democrats in states like California are considering measures to speed up their vote tabulation process in response.