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Fix The NSC: A Warning & Roadmap For Trump’s Second Term

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[Photo Cred: Office of the President of the United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

A Call to Action: Reforming the National Security Council

Joshua Steinman, the former senior director for cyber on President Trump’s National Security Council (NSC), has issued a stark warning to the incoming president that demands immediate attention. Steinman, who loyally served from Trump’s first day in office to his last, cautions that mistakes in NSC staffing could spell disaster for the administration’s second term, leading to either ineffectiveness or outright betrayal. His insights form a compelling argument for a complete overhaul of the NSC as the cornerstone of Trump’s efforts to govern effectively.

The NSC, as Steinman explains, is not merely a bureaucratic appendage. It is the quarterback of the White House—the entity tasked with ensuring that the president’s directives are executed seamlessly across the vast machinery of the federal government. “If the president is the owner of the football team, the NSC is the quarterback,” he asserts, underscoring the centrality of this institution in driving the administration’s policy agenda. And yet, Steinman’s concerns suggest that the team surrounding this quarterback may not be up to the task.

Reflecting on Trump’s first term, Steinman identifies a critical error: the decision to retain approximately 50% of the NSC staff from the Obama administration. This hesitation to implement a sweeping purge, according to Steinman, allowed disloyal actors to undermine Trump’s policies. Some of these holdovers allegedly continued to operate under Obama-era guidance until explicitly instructed otherwise. Steinman’s message is clear: “Removing people like this isn’t personal; it’s just prudent.”

The stakes are high. Steinman contrasts Trump’s initial approach with the swift and decisive action taken by President Biden, who executed a comprehensive purge of Trump-aligned NSC staff upon taking office. This move ensured that Biden’s team could implement his agenda without interference from ideological adversaries. Critics labeled Biden’s actions a “purge” and raised concerns about the politicization of traditionally non-partisan roles, but his administration’s determination to align its personnel with its policies proved effective in consolidating its power.

Steinman’s critique does not stop at holdovers. He raises alarms about new hires, questioning their loyalty and expertise. Among those rumored to join Trump’s team is Adam Howard, GOP Staff Director for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), who is set to take the critical role of senior director for intelligence programs. Steinman questions whether Howard’s background equips him to confront potential interference from the intelligence community—a task vital to ensuring Trump’s agenda is not derailed.

The urgency of Steinman’s warning lies in the fundamental truth that personnel is policy. For Trump’s administration to succeed, the NSC must be staffed with individuals who are not only loyal to his vision but also possess the subject-matter expertise to navigate the complexities of their roles. Steinman’s concerns about Anne Neuberger, the Biden-appointed NSC cybersecurity director, exemplify this need. Her alignment with policies on artificial intelligence and tech censorship could undermine Trump’s objectives, should she remain in place.

Trump’s response to these challenges is beginning to take shape. Key appointments to his NSC include:

  • Michael Waltz, National Security Advisor: A Republican Congressman and retired Army Green Beret with a hardline stance on China.
  • Alex Wong, Deputy National Security Advisor: A seasoned diplomat who oversaw North Korea policy during Trump’s first term.
  • Sebastian Gorka, Senior Director for Counterterrorism: A known advocate for robust counterterrorism strategies.
  • Brian McCormack, Senior Advisor: An energy consultant focusing on energy security.
  • Andrew Peek, Middle East Policy Adviser: A seasoned expert on the region’s complexities.

While these appointments reflect a renewed emphasis on loyalty and alignment, Steinman’s cautionary tale lingers. The success of Trump’s second term hinges on avoiding the missteps of the first. The NSC’s ability to serve as an effective quarterback depends entirely on the quality of its staff. As Steinman aptly puts it, “The Intel Senior Director position is one of the most CRITICAL posts in U.S. Government.”

The broader implications of Steinman’s warning extend beyond Trump’s presidency. The debate over Biden’s NSC purge highlighted the tension between ensuring policy alignment and maintaining non-partisan governance. Critics, including the Heritage Foundation, argued that Biden’s actions undermined the apolitical nature of advisory roles, while supporters contended that loyalty is essential for effective governance. Trump’s administration must navigate this delicate balance, prioritizing mission alignment without descending into the partisanship that critics decry.

As Trump prepares to assume office once more, the lessons of his first term and Biden’s purge are clear: the NSC must be reimagined, restructured, and resolutely loyal to the President’s agenda. Failure to act decisively could jeopardize the very goals Trump has championed—from ending unnecessary conflicts to revitalizing the economy. Steinman’s call to action is both a warning and a roadmap: “Fix the NSC, fix the presidency.”

Sponsored by the John Milton Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping independent journalists overcome formidable challenges in today’s media landscape and bring crucial stories to you.

Ex-MSNBC Host Signals ‘Hope’ Trump Gets Assassinated

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    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Yikes…

    Ex-MSNBC host Keith Olbermann drew swift criticism over the weekend when he seemed to express hope former President Donald Trump is assassinated.

    According to Fox News, Olbermann was referring to the Biden-Harris HQ X account flagging a clip of Trump saying he had been persecuted worse than any president in history, including Abraham Lincoln.

    “Trump says he has been treated worse than Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated,” the Biden campaign account posted on Saturday.

    “There’s always the hope,” Olbermann wrote, linking to the post.

    https://twitter.com/KeithOlbermann/status/1769107476069097674

    One account that responded to Olbermann’s post suggested the commentator’s account should be “permanently suspended” for appearing to endorse someone killing Trump, the presumptive nominee for the 2024 Republican nomination. Trump is trying to become only the second president since Grover Cleveland to win another White House term after losing a previous re-election bid.

    Olbermann is known for his inflammatory leftist comments and has also recently called for the dissolution of the Supreme Court.

    Nebraska Democrat-Turned-Republican Senator Blocks Trump’s Electoral Vote Plan

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    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    In a surprising political move, Nebraska State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat-turned-Republican, has effectively derailed efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to alter the state’s method of distributing electoral votes just ahead of the 2024 election. The proposal, if passed, could have shifted Nebraska to a winner-take-all system, favoring the GOP in a heavily conservative state.

    McDonnell’s Decision: A Game-Changer

    On Monday, McDonnell announced that he would not support the push to change the way Nebraska awards its electoral votes. “I understand the motivations of some of my colleagues,” McDonnell told The Washington Post. “However, after considerable reflection, it’s clear that with just over a month left before Election Day, now is not the right time to make this change.” (McDonnell has long been seen as a swing vote in the legislature, making his decision particularly impactful.)

    How Nebraska’s System Works

    Nebraska and Maine are unique in how they allocate their electoral votes. Unlike the typical winner-take-all system, these states distribute votes by congressional district. This allowed President Joe Biden to secure one electoral vote from Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, covering the Omaha area, in the 2020 election. Trump allies aimed to shift Nebraska to a winner-take-all model to bolster Republican chances.

    Pushback From Trump Allies

    Trump supporters have lobbied for months to change Nebraska’s system, viewing it as a crucial battleground. Their aim was to prevent Vice President Kamala Harris from easily winning the Omaha district, which could combine with her victories in other swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan.

    Rising Pressure

    Last week, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a vocal Trump ally, visited Nebraska to lobby for the change. Trump also personally reached out to state legislators. However, McDonnell’s decision has made it unlikely that Nebraska’s governor, Jim Pillen, will call a special session to vote on the matter.

    Trump’s Response

    Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, accusing McDonnell of blocking a “huge Republican victory.” Calling him a “grandstander,” Trump made it clear that he views this decision as a significant setback for his 2024 campaign.

    What’s Next?

    Although the current effort has stalled, State Sen. Loren Lippincott, who sponsored the bill, stated that he plans to reintroduce the legislation during the next session. “This fight isn’t over,” Lippincott said, signaling that Nebraska’s electoral system may be contested well beyond 2024.

    What It Means for the 2024 Election

    McDonnell’s decision could have significant implications. By keeping the congressional district-based allocation in place, the Omaha area remains competitive for both parties. This keeps Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in play and could provide a critical edge in a tight race between Trump and Harris.

    For now, McDonnell’s refusal to back the change has ensured that Nebraska’s 2nd District will remain a swing district, at least through the 2024 election.

    READ NEXT: Awesome News: Former Fox News Star Drops BIG Professional Announcement [WATCH]

    Trump Targets Law Firm Linked To Dominion Voting Systems Lawsuit Against Fox News

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      The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

      President Trump issued an order targeting law firm Susman Godfrey, the firm that helped Dominion Voting Systems secure a $787 million settlement against Fox News after the 2020 election.

      Trump’s order will ban the firm from accessing government buildings, viewing documents or representing any party who has any litigation with the federal government.

      The Hill reports:

      “Lawyers and law firms that engage in activities detrimental to critical American interests should not have access to our Nation’s secrets, nor should their conduct be subsidized by Federal taxpayer funds or contracts,” the order reads.

      The president said the move was necessary “to address the significant risks, egregious conduct, and conflicts of interest,” at Susman Godfrey.

      The firm, in a statement, responded that “anyone who knows Susman Godfrey knows we believe in the rule of law, and we take seriously our duty to uphold it.”

      “This principle guides us now,” the company said. “There is no question that we will fight this unconstitutional order.”

      Susman Godfrey helped voting systems provider Dominion secure a multi-million dollar settlement in 2022 against Fox News over false claims it aired after the 2020 presidential election promoted by Trump and his allies.

      Trump’s order comes the same week a Delaware judge ruled that cable news channel Newsmax aired false and defamatory statements about Dominion Voting Systems as part of its coverage of the 2020 election.

      On Thursday, Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis ruled the statements made on Newsmax were defamatory, and Dominion must now prove in court the channel acted with “actual malice” to harm the company’s reputation.

      Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

      Davis’s ruling comes ahead of a jury trial that is slated to begin later this month in connection with the voting system provider’s defamation lawsuit against the conservative cable channel. (RELATED: Report: Fox News Reaches Last-Minute Settlement With Dominion Voting Systems)

      Dominion sued Newsmax in 2021 over a series of claims alleging the company’s machines were manipulated to swing votes in President Biden’s favor and against former President Trump.

      In a new statement Wednesday, Newsmax said it “covered both sides of the 2020 election dispute fairly. At no time did it defame Dominion. This case represents a serious threat to free speech and a free press and Newsmax will defend itself vigorously at trial.”

      Chris Christie Says His Presidential Campaign Rests on This State

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        Maryland GovPics, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

        Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie says he will bow out of the race if he does not perform well in the first primary state of New Hampshire.

        The former New Jersey governor told The New York Times in an interview that he does not see “any circumstances” where he would leave the race before the primary, but that the state is key to his path to the nomination. 

        “If I don’t do well in New Hampshire, then I’ll leave,” he said. 

        A Times analysis of Christie’s campaign stops found more than 90 percent of his events have been held in New Hampshire since February. 

        Christie said the way to stop Trump from winning the nomination is to deny him a victory in New Hampshire. 

        “I think once Donald Trump loses in one place, that entire rotted building will crumble,” he said. 

        But he said Trump will be the GOP nominee if he wins the state, which means New Hampshire will determine the “future” of the party and the country. 

        New Poll Exposes Democrats’ True Thoughts About Biden

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        Joe Biden via Gage Skidmore Flickr

        There’s a wealth of new polling data on the Democratic presidential nomination contest, with polls from The Wall Street Journal and Associated Press both finding that even Democratic voters are concerned that President Joe Biden is too old to run.

        The AP/NORC poll of adults (not registered voters) found that 77 percent of respondents believed Biden was too old to serve another term.

        And for the hardened Team Blue partisans who shout “ageism!” at such findings…69 percent of self-identified Democrats said Biden’s age is a big issue (among Republicans, it was a whopping 89 percent – which shouldn’t come as a surprise).

        But this must be a fluke, an outlier, and a one-off. Surely, the age issue can’t be that big a deal for Mr. Biden. Except The Wall Street Journal poll confirmed it is.

        The Journal asked a split question – one if voters think Biden’s mental fitness is sufficient for the job, the other specifically on whether he is “too old.”

        On the mental ability, 60 percent questioned Biden’s mental ability. On age, a total of 73 percent said he is “too old.”

        What are the comparable numbers for former President Donald Trump?

        A 49-46 split says Trump isn’t mentally up for the job. On age, another spilt, with 47 percent saying he’s too old and 45 saying he isn’t.

        As always with polls, the numbers are snapshots in time and subject to change.

        What these data points do, though, is reinforce narratives that have long been whispered in Democratic circles: Biden’s time has passed, and he would be wise to bow out and allow someone else to take the fight to what looks like Donald Trump in 2024.

        But such whispers against an incumbent are very hard to translate into hard reality. What could bring them a tad bit closer to the fore are the other items in the Journal poll, particularly the sense that most people think the economy has hit a rough patch, and they are feeling the effects:

        …58% of voters say the economy has gotten worse over the past two years, whereas only 28% say it has gotten better, and nearly three in four say inflation is headed in the wrong direction. Those views were echoed in the survey by large majorities of independents, a group that helped deliver Biden’s victory over Trump in the 2020 presidential race. Voters were almost evenly split on the direction of the job market.

        It’s not a wipeout for Biden, but the data are hardly comforting to an incumbent who has staked his presidency on a massive reworking of the economy, with government intervention and support leading the way. Team Blue partisans will say it’s early, these things take time, etc., etc. And they aren’t entirely wrong.

        But there’s also the iron law of politics to contend with: if you’re explaining, you’re losing. And until the data show voters are feeling better about their own particular economic situation, then Mr. Biden will need more than a slogan – “Bidenomics” – and promises of widespread prosperity to save his own political future.

        The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Great America News Desk. It first appeared in American Liberty News. Republished with permission.

        Former Vice President Mike Pence Chimes In On Trump’s Strikes On Iran

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        Mike Pence via Gage Skidmore Flickr

        Former Vice President Mike Pence is offering strong praise for President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran—an endorsement that comes despite the long-standing and highly public rift between the two former running mates.

        In an interview with Fox News Digital, Pence applauded Trump for what he described as decisive leadership in confronting Iran, while also criticizing a growing isolationist faction within the Republican Party.

        “It’s one of the things I give President Trump great credit for,” Pence said this week.

        Pence’s comments arrive nearly three weeks into ongoing U.S. military strikes against Iran, part of a broader escalation that has drawn sharp criticism from some populist and anti-war voices aligned with the MAGA and “America First” movements. Those critics argue the operation risks entangling the U.S. in another prolonged conflict overseas.

        But Pence, a longtime advocate of a more traditional Republican foreign policy rooted in strong global engagement and deterrence, rejected those concerns. He framed Trump’s actions as a rejection of isolationism within the party.

        “Around this administration, and to some extent in this administration, there have been some increasingly loud voices calling for America to pull back from our role as leader of the free world. Isolationist voices have taken hold in some quarters of the Republican Party,” Pence said.

        “But fortunately, President Trump turned a deaf ear to those voices last year when he struck Iran, and this year, when he launched Operation Epic Fury,” Pence emphasized. “I think it’s greatly to his credit.”

        Pence argued that Trump’s approach aligns with the broader Republican base.

        “I think it’s reflective of where the overwhelming majority of Republicans are. Republicans understand that America is the arsenal of democracy, that we’re the leader of the free world, that we have obligations to lead,” he said.

        The former vice president also drew on his firsthand experience serving alongside Trump during their time in the White House.

        “I’ve told people many times, I’m proud of President Trump for making the decision to launch operation Epic Fury. But I’m not surprised, because the President I served with is no isolationist.”

        The praise is notable given the fractured relationship between the two men. Pence and Trump have been estranged since the final days of their administration, particularly following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump publicly pressured Pence to reject the certification of the 2020 election results—something Pence refused to do, citing constitutional limits. The fallout led to years of mutual criticism, with Pence at times condemning Trump’s actions and Trump frequently targeting Pence in speeches and on social media.

        Despite that personal and political break, Pence has occasionally continued to support Trump’s policy decisions—especially on national security—reflecting enduring alignment on certain ideological priorities even as their political alliance has dissolved.

        The current conflict underscores those stakes. U.S. and Israeli strikes have reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and severely weakened Iran’s military leadership and infrastructure. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, targeting Israel and regional neighbors.

        The conflict has also had major global economic consequences. Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have halted roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply, sending fuel prices sharply higher in the U.S. and worldwide.

        Against that backdrop, Pence doubled down on his support for the administration’s aggressive posture.

        “I couldn’t be more proud of President Donald Trump for making the decision to send our troops directly against an enemy that has literally claimed thousands of American lives, including nearly 1,000 service members,” he said.

        He added that Trump has “unleashed the armed forces of the United States to take the fight directly to the source of global terrorism. And I think at the end of the day, the American people understand that this is a fight that we have to win, and it’s going to be important that we finish the threat that Iran has posed to the American people, to our cherished ally, Israel, to nations across the region and across the West, once and for all.”

        Pence concluded by offering advice he would give Trump if asked:

        “To finish the threat that the mullahs and Tehran have posed to the people of this country once and for all.”

        Cannon Suspends Key Mar-a-Lago Deadline

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          Marine One lifts-off after returning President Donald J. Trump to Mar-a-Lago Friday, March 29, 2019, following his visit to the 143-mile Herbert Hoover Dike near Canal Point, Fla., that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. The visit was part of an infrastructure inspection of the dike, which is part of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee Everglades system, and reduces impacts of flooding for areas of south Florida. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) [Photo Credit: The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

          Judge Aileen Cannon suspended a key deadline in former President Trump’s documents case after his attorneys suggested that special counsel Jack Smith’s team had “failed to preserve critical evidence” in the case after prosecutors disclosed some classified records may not be in the original order in which they were found.

          The Hill reports:

          In a Saturday letter posted to the court docket Tuesday morning, Trump’s legal team pounces on the admission by Smith’s team that the order in which the documents were found may have shifted slightly.

          “Your failure to disclose the spoliation of this evidence until this month is an extraordinary breach of your constitutional and ethical obligations, Trump attorney Todd Blanche wrote.

          The letter lays out a series of demands for more information, including on the instructions given to those who initially searched the boxes, all communications surrounding the searches of the boxes and their movements, and a list of personnel who had access to them. 

          “If the investigative team found a document with classification markings, it removed the document, segregated it, and replaced it with a placeholder sheet. The investigative team used classified cover sheets for that purpose, until the FBI ran out because there were so many classified documents, at which point the team began using blank sheets with handwritten notes indicating the classification level of the document(s) seized,” prosecutors noted.

          Trump’s team in their letter shot back at Smith’s efforts to dismiss the issue, saying it has repercussions beyond what classified information might be presented at trial.

          “You cannot seriously contend that your recent spoliation concession is irrelevant to President Trump’s pending pretrial motions,” Blanche wrote.

          The suspension marks yet another delay in a prosecution where Cannon has yet to even set a new trial date, casting further doubt on the chances the case will come before a jury ahead of the election.

          Trump To Address UN After Secret Service Thwarts ‘Telecommunications Threat’ Near General Assembly

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            On Tuesday, Secret Service agents announced they had cracked a plot that could have crippled the telecommunications network in the nation’s largest city, as more than 150 world leaders convene this week in New York.

            The U.S. Secret Service said Tuesday that it “dismantled a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tristate area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications-related threats directed towards senior U.S. government officials.”

            The devices were concentrated within 35 miles of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City, it added.

            “This protective intelligence investigation led to the discovery of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across multiple sites,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “In addition to carrying out anonymous telephonic threats, these devices could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks. This includes disabling cell phone towers, enabling denial of services attacks and facilitating anonymous, encrypted communication between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises.”

            “While forensic examination of these devices is ongoing, early analysis indicates cellular communications between nation-state threat actors and individuals that are known to federal law enforcement,” it also said.

            The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the New York Police Department and other state and local law enforcement partners are assisting with the investigation.

            U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

            “The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran said.

            “The U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission is all about prevention, and this investigation makes it clear to potential bad actors that imminent threats to our protectees will be immediately investigated, tracked down and dismantled,” he added.

            The Secret Service also said: “Given the timing, location and potential for significant disruption to New York telecommunications posed by these devices, the agency moved quickly to disrupt this network.”

            President Donald Trump is set to address the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. 

            Trump’s remarks will center on “touting renewal of American strength around the world,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday, according to ABC News..

            “The president will also touch upon how globalist institutions have significantly decayed the world order, and he will articulate his straightforward and constructive vision for the world,” Leavitt said.

            It will be Trump’s first speech to the annual gathering since his return to office.

            On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron declared at the U.N. General Assembly that France will now recognize a Palestinian state.

            “The time for peace has come,” Macron said.

            Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke virtually before the U.N. General Assembly on Monday after the Trump administration revoked his U.S. visa last month to attend the conference in person.

            Abbas called on Hamas to surrender their weapons and he condemned the killings on Oct. 7, 2023. He also expressed readiness to work with Trump to implement a peace plan and called for a “permanent ceasefire.”

            Elon Musk’s Drug Use Sparked Campaign Trail Concerns

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            An explosive new report from The New York Times revealed the disturbing frequency billionaire Elon Musk consumed illicit drugs while on the presidential campaign trail with Donald Trump.

            The article comes as Musk is exiting the Trump administration after a whirlwind several months in which he led efforts to cut down on the government’s size.

            Musk told people he was using ketamine so often that it was impacting his bladder, along with utilizing psychedelic mushrooms and taking ecstasy, the Times reported. The Times reporting included interviews with dozens of individuals Musk worked with or knew, along with obtaining private messages. 

            The tech executive, who was advising the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) panel on federal government cost-cutting measures, would travel every day with a box containing 20 pills, the Times said, citing individuals who have seen the box and the photo of it. Some of the pills were marked as Adderall. 

            Musk has publicly spoken about his mental health before, describing “great highs, terrible lows and unrelenting stress.” The tech billionaire has also refused the use of traditional antidepressants and said he was prescribed ketamine for depression, taking it “about every two weeks.”

            According to the Times, some of Musk’s friends have severed ties with the tech billionaire over his public behavior.

            “Elon has pushed the boundaries of his bad behavior more and more,” Philip Low, a neuroscientist, told The Times. 

            The Times also reports Musk received advance warning of employee drug tests at SpaceX, despite the company’s obligations as a federal contractor to maintain a drug-free workplace.

            The Wall Street Journal reported in January 2024 that Musk has used cocaine, LSD, psychedelic mushrooms and ecstasy at private parties, prompting concerns from board members and executives at SpaceX and Tesla.

            “After that one puff with Rogan, I agreed, at NASA’s request, to do 3 years of random drug testing,” Musk wrote in a social media post shortly after that article was published. “Not even trace quantities were found of any drugs or alcohol. @WSJ is not fit to line a parrot cage for bird.” 

            The report comes after Musk announced Wednesday that he would be departing the White House as his 130-day period as a special government employee expires.