The Trump-Musk relationship collapsed completely within hours, transforming from yesterday's warm Oval Office atmosphere into open warfare. Early morning headlines described their conflict as a "mud battle," with Musk threatening to release "Epstein bomb" allegations against Trump. By mid-morning, outlets reported Musk demanding Trump's impeachment while threatening to form a new political party.
The White House attempted damage control, proposing a peace phone call, but Trump rejected contact by afternoon, calling Musk someone who "lost his mind." Trump threatened to sell his Tesla holdings while former advisor Bannon demanded Musk's deportation. Russia offered Musk asylum as the feud intensified.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Merz's diplomatic success continued resonating, with Trump calling him "friend Friedrich" and discussing new Russia sanctions. Domestically, three rejected Somali asylum seekers disappeared from assigned accommodation and surfaced in Berlin, escalating asylum policy debates. A 14-year-old was arrested for allegedly planning a Christmas market attack in Cologne.