Ukraine awards Elon Musk high state honor as it seeks to expand Starlink access President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has conferred one of Ukraine’s highest state honors, the Order of Freedom, upon SpaceX founder Elon Musk in recognition of his contributions to the country’s defense efforts. The presidential decree, published on the official website on Wednesday, highlighted Musk’s role in providing critical satellite internet services through Starlink, which has become indispensable for Ukrainian military operations. The award underscores Ukraine’s reliance on the technology as it continues to navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Musk activated Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, establishing a vital communication network for Ukrainian forces. The service has enabled battlefield coordination, drone operations, and real-time data sharing, significantly bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. According to the decree, Musk’s efforts have also strengthened diplomatic ties between Ukraine and the United States, reflecting the strategic importance of the collaboration. The decision to recognize Musk came amid Ukraine’s broader push to expand Starlink’s utility. The country has requested permission to deploy the service over Russian territory to target critical infrastructure, including ballistic missile launchers that have caused extensive damage to Ukrainian cities. Zelenskyy noted that while Musk initially opposed this move, citing concerns about escalating the conflict, Ukraine has since received more favorable responses from the company. A key development in the Starlink initiative occurred earlier this year when Musk agreed to disable thousands of Russian “grey-market” Starlink devices in Ukraine.#starlink #spacex #ukraine #elon_musk #volodymyr_zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Honors Elon Musk with Highest State Award for Starlink Contributions Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Elon Musk the Order of Freedom, one of Ukraine’s most prestigious state honors, on Wednesday. The recognition was granted for Musk’s “outstanding personal merits” in safeguarding human life and freedom, as well as strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the United States. Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s war effort through his company’s satellite internet network, Starlink, which has become a critical communications tool for both Ukrainian military and civilian populations since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Starlink has been instrumental in maintaining connectivity for Ukrainian forces, enabling commanders and soldiers to coordinate operations despite the destruction of traditional communication infrastructure. The system’s reliability has allowed Ukraine to sustain its military operations and provide civilians with access to essential information and services. However, Musk’s decision to restrict Starlink’s use within Russian territory has limited Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range drone attacks targeting Russia’s military and economic infrastructure. Zelenskyy has publicly urged Musk to reconsider this policy, emphasizing its strategic importance for Ukraine’s future military capabilities. Musk’s restrictions on Starlink’s use in Russia have had significant implications for Ukraine’s drone campaigns. The technology has enabled Ukrainian operators to maintain control over drones navigating over extended distances, contributing to the success of middle-strike drone operations that disrupted Russian logistics lines earlier this year.#starlink #ukraine #elon_musk #space_x #volodymyr_zelenskyy

Stock Market Surpasses Records Amid Tech Sector Volatility and Central Bank Signals The U.S. stock market surged on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a new all-time high driven by strong corporate earnings and a surge in Nvidia shares. The 30-stock index closed at 54,349.12, up 0.49%, marking its fifth consecutive positive day. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 retreated slightly from its earlier record high, finishing at 7,723.55, a 0.17% decline, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.83% to 26,363.44. The S&P 500’s four-day winning streak ended after Wednesday’s pullback. Nvidia’s shares rose over 3% following comments from Elon Musk, who stated that SpaceX would exclusively use Nvidia processors for its AI computing infrastructure. Musk called Nvidia’s AI systems “the best AI computer,” signaling a strategic shift for the rocket company. However, SpaceX shares fell more than 13% after the firm reported a sixfold increase in capital expenditures to $18.4 billion in the second quarter, exceeding analyst expectations. The majority of the spending was allocated to AI-related projects. Other tech stocks faced mixed performance. Advanced Micro Devices dropped 7% after its adjusted earnings barely met expectations, while Alphabet, a member of the “Magnificent Seven,” fell 4% following announcements about restructuring its AI divisions and the departure of chief scientist Jeff Dean after 27 years. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook signaled potential rate hikes, stating she is “prepared to act” to combat persistent inflation. In a speech in Anchorage, Alaska, she emphasized that inflation remains a key risk, warning that “the risks to the inflation side of the dual mandate are higher than the risks to the employment side.#spacex #alphabet #nvidia #elon_musk #magnificent_seven
SpaceX Reports Strong Q2 Revenue Amid AI Investments and Market Volatility SpaceX reported better-than-expected revenue for the second quarter of 2026, marking its first earnings report since its record-breaking IPO in June. The company’s stock dropped about 7% in extended trading as capital expenditures surged, reflecting investor concerns over its financial commitments. Revenue reached $7.81 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $6.93 billion, while the net loss narrowed to $541 million from $1 billion in the same period a year earlier. This improvement came despite a $4.9 billion loss in 2025, driven by heavy investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and the merger with Elon Musk’s xAI in February. The company’s financial performance was split across three key segments. The Space segment generated $962 million in revenue, exceeding the $835 million forecast, but operated at a $542 million loss. The AI segment, which includes the merged xAI operations, reported $2.56 billion in revenue—$380 million above expectations—but incurred an operating loss of $1.26 billion. In contrast, the Connectivity segment, which includes Starlink satellite internet services, delivered $4.29 billion in revenue, $460 million above forecasts, and remained profitable with $1.66 billion in operating income. Starlink, SpaceX’s primary source of profit, continues to serve both consumer and government/military clients, with its satellite internet service now offering “incredible uptime and low latency” according to Musk. Musk emphasized Starlink’s potential to dominate global internet access, stating it could provide a majority of internet connectivity in most countries within “less than 10 years.#starlink #spacex #nvidia #elon_musk #xai
SpaceX's First-Ever Earnings Report Faces Stock Volatility Amid Lockup Expirations and Capital Expenditure Concerns SpaceX (SPCX) is set to release its first-ever quarterly earnings report on Tuesday, following the bell, as the company transitions into its public market phase. The report comes amid significant stock volatility, with the company’s shares having declined nearly 30% since its $150 market debut last month and remaining down approximately 50% from its all-time high of $225.64. Investors are closely watching the earnings release, hoping it will provide a catalyst to reverse the stock’s recent downward trend. The stock has shown some resilience ahead of the report, closing higher on Monday and climbing further in the pre-market session. However, analysts caution that the earnings announcement alone may not be enough to offset lingering concerns. A major overhang remains in the form of the lockup expiration, which is scheduled for August 6. This event will free up to 20% of SpaceX’s shares for sale, roughly triple the current tradable float. The influx of additional supply is expected to keep pressure on the stock, according to Epistrophy Capital’s Cory Johnson, who highlighted the potential impact of the lockup expiration in a client note. For the second quarter, SpaceX is projected to report revenue of $6.81 billion, according to Bloomberg’s consensus estimate, marking a sequential increase from $4.7 billion in the first quarter. However, the company is anticipated to post an adjusted loss per share of $0.24, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $2.0 billion. Analysts emphasize that the key focus for investors will be SpaceX’s capital expenditures, which are expected to rise sharply from $48.7 billion in the current fiscal year to $118.4 billion in FY 2028.#spacex #tesla #elon_musk #starship #starbase

Elon Musk’s X Money offers 6% yield and a Visa debit card but it's invitation only Elon Musk’s social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, launched its own bank account-like product called X Money. The service is not a new bank but uses technology and banking services provided by Cross River Bank. This approach is common for new financial companies, as establishing a separate bank involves significant regulatory and financial hurdles. X Money is currently available only to invited users, who will receive a “X”-branded Visa debit card usable at any ATM. Users of X can send money to other X users in real-time, according to the company. Invitations are limited to X’s paying members at this stage. To attract users, X Money offers a 6% annual yield on deposits and 3% cashback on eligible purchases. To qualify for the 6% yield, customers must deposit at least $1,000 into their account. Additionally, they must subscribe to X’s premium services, which cost a minimum of $8 per month. This subscription fee, combined with the deposit requirement, means users need to contribute at least $1,600 to access the yield and cover the cost of premium services. The service emphasizes that these financial incentives are tied to active participation in X’s ecosystem. Musk has long envisioned X as an “everything app” that would integrate financial services alongside its core social media functions. His background in finance dates back to the early 2000s when he co-founded X.com, an online bank that later merged with Confinity to form PayPal. This history underscores Musk’s strategic focus on expanding X’s capabilities beyond social networking into financial technology. The launch of X Money represents a continuation of this vision, aiming to position X as a central hub for both communication and financial transactions.#elon_musk #cash_app #x_money #cross_river_bank #paypal_venmo

Elon Musk Finally Launches X Money. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Elon Musk’s X Money, a financial service integrated into his social media platform X, has officially launched, but the product faces significant hurdles that could limit its impact on the payments market. While the app promises a 6% annual yield on user funds and cashback rewards, its functionality is constrained by regulatory restrictions, technical limitations, and user concerns about security and accessibility. Analysts and experts warn that these challenges could prevent X Money from achieving widespread adoption, despite Musk’s ambitious vision for the platform. The app allows users to transfer funds and set up automatic paycheck deposits, but its peer-to-peer payment system is limited to transactions between X users who are 18 years or older and have access to X Money. This restriction creates a fragmented network, as users outside this demographic cannot participate in the service. Additionally, X Money lacks money transmitter licenses in two of the largest financial markets in the U.S.—New York and Massachusetts. As a result, payments processed through X Money are not accepted in these states, significantly limiting its reach. Experts argue that these regulatory gaps could stifle X Money’s growth. Daniela Hawkins, a global payments expert at Capco, noted in 2024 that inconsistencies in payment functionality could deter users from adopting the service. “If users can’t easily tell when a payment will be accepted, that uncertainty will likely create enough friction to make Musk’s payments launch ‘bumpy,’” Hawkins said. She emphasized that unclear payment rules could lead to a poor user experience, with customers questioning whether their transactions will be processed at all.#new_york #elon_musk #massachusetts #x_money #daniela_hawkins
Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 Challenges U.S. AI Dominance with Cost-Effective Performance On Thursday, Moonshot AI, a Beijing-based startup, launched its latest large language model, Kimi K3, which claims to rival Anthropic’s Fable 5 in performance while costing significantly less. The model, described as the largest open-weight model ever released, reportedly outperformed Anthropic’s Opus 4.8 and OpenAI’s GPT 5.6 Sol in benchmark tests. Moonshot’s publicly shared evaluations placed K3 among the top three AI models globally, with one independent test from Arena.AI ranking it as the best available, surpassing Anthropic’s offerings. Industry experts initially underestimated the pace at which Chinese AI labs could close the gap with U.S. counterparts. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei noted that a Chinese company achieving performance close to Fable 5 was expected to take six months, while Elon Musk had predicted such a breakthrough by early 2025. K3’s release, however, accelerated this timeline, highlighting the rapid progress of Chinese developers. Paul Triolo of DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group remarked that the Chinese AI ecosystem is “much better than people thought,” underscoring the shift in global AI dynamics. The model’s pricing strategy further disrupted the market. Kimi K3 is available for $15 per million output tokens, a stark contrast to Fable 5’s $50 for the same level of output. This cost advantage has raised concerns among investors who previously believed U.S. firms could maintain their lead through superior computing power spending. The K3 launch intensified an ongoing semiconductor selloff, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company dropping 7% despite strong quarterly profits. SoftBank, often linked to OpenAI, fell 9%, while Z.ai, a Chinese competitor, plummeted nearly 30% in Hong Kong. U.S.#dario_amodei #elon_musk #anthropic #moonshot_ai #kimik3

Christopher Nolan Defies Pre-Release Backlash for ‘The Odyssey’ Christopher Nolan has dismissed the pre-release controversy surrounding his latest film, The Odyssey, insisting that the backlash is “irrelevant” and that he has learned to ignore it. The star-studded adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures like Elon Musk and conservative commentators, who have taken issue with its casting choices, armor design, and use of modern dialogue. Despite the uproar, Nolan remains focused on his creative vision, drawing parallels to his past experiences with Batman and emphasizing the importance of staying true to the source material. Nolan, speaking to The Telegraph, acknowledged that the film’s release has been accompanied by intense online debate but stressed that such conversations are inherently meaningless before the film is seen. “These conversations that happen before people see the film — they’re always irrelevant, because no one having them knows what the film actually is yet,” he said. This sentiment echoes his approach to tackling The Odyssey, a project he has long known would provoke strong reactions. The director’s confidence in his approach stems from his experience with Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, a film that faced similar scrutiny. Nolan recalled how the character of Batman had been interpreted for decades, with fans and critics alike holding strong opinions about its representation. “When I came on Begins, writers and artists had been working on this beloved character for almost 65 years, and a lot of freighted thoughts were out there about what he represents,” he explained. “What I learned over my time on that trilogy is you can’t worry about any of that at all.#elon_musk #universal_pictures #the_odyssey #christopher_nolan #lupita_nyongo

SpaceX to Join Nasdaq-100 Index Amid Rapid Inclusion Framework Expansion The Nasdaq-100 index has announced that Elon Musk’s SpaceX will be added to the benchmark technology index, marking a significant milestone for the aerospace and satellite company. The inclusion follows a swift approval process under Nasdaq’s newly implemented fast-track framework, which allows newly public companies to qualify for the index after just 15 trading days. SpaceX, which listed on the Nasdaq in June, is expected to enter the index with a weighting of less than 1%, making it one of the first beneficiaries of this accelerated inclusion process. The decision comes as SpaceX continues its consolidation phase on the New York Stock Exchange, having debuted on the Nasdaq just over a month prior. The company’s rapid entry into the Nasdaq-100 underscores the index’s growing openness to high-profile tech firms, particularly those with substantial market influence. Under the previous framework, newly listed companies typically faced a much longer waiting period before being eligible for inclusion in the Nasdaq-100, often requiring months of analysis. This change significantly reduces the time between a company’s public listing and its potential inclusion in the index, providing immediate exposure for passive investors. Nasdaq confirmed the inclusion after the close of trading on Friday, with the official addition set to take effect before the market opens on July 7. Index-tracking funds and other product sponsors are expected to begin purchasing SpaceX shares following the July 6 market close to align with the index’s new composition. This move could further boost demand for SpaceX stock, which has already seen high trading volumes since its June 12 public debut.#spacex #elon_musk #nasdaq #nasdaq_100 #new_york_stock_exchange
Called Bibi a 'con man', said pager attack 'fascinating and appalling': The new book about Donald Trump The New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s book Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump details a series of high-profile interactions and controversial statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, including his public criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his remarks on a pager attack against Hezbollah, and his interactions with figures like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson. Published this week, the book provides an in-depth look at Trump’s leadership style, decision-making processes, and relationships within and beyond the White House. According to the book, Trump described Netanyahu as a “con man” during a joint meeting with Musk and Carlson in the Oval Office. The president reportedly promised Musk and Carlson that the United States would not engage in a war with Iran, warning that such a conflict would damage his political legacy. The authors note that Trump initially expressed reluctance to support Netanyahu’s stance on Iran but later shifted his position after a meeting in the Situation Room, where Netanyahu presented arguments for a regional confrontation. The term “con man” is described as one of Trump’s harshest insults, reflecting the depth of his frustration with Netanyahu’s approach. The book also highlights Trump’s reaction to the September 2024 pager attack by Israel on Hezbollah, which caused severe casualties. During the Oval Office meeting, Trump described the attack in graphic detail, including injuries such as severed genitals and missing hands, and expressed horror at the “indiscriminate nature” of the strike.#donald_trump #jeffrey_epstein #benjamin_netanyahu #elon_musk #tucker_carlson

Trump assured Musk and Carlson he wouldn’t go to war with Iran, new book claims Donald Trump declared he would not go to war with Iran last year, according to a new book, which claims he told Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk: “We’re not doing that.” The US president is said to have provided the assurance during an Oval Office meeting with rightwing commentator Carlson and SpaceX CEO Musk – the world’s richest person, who recently became its first trillionaire – early last year. According to New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, though Carlson had criticized Trump from his perch as an influential rightwing media voice, Trump “solicit[ed] Carlson’s advice, believing he still had sway over a significant portion of the base.” “Carlson had criticized Trump for refusing to knock [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu over the Gaza carnage; now he would make clear to the president that a broader war would be his ruin,” Haberman and Swan write. “‘They want you to go to war with Iran,’ Carlson said. ‘We’re not doing that,’ Trump answered.” Trump is also said to have told Carlson: “I don’t think there’s ever been an American president as powerful as I am.” “Struck by this hubris,” Haberman and Swan write, “Carlson replied: ‘Certainly not since FDR. Really, the only thing that could wreck it is war with Iran.’” This year, on 28 February, Trump attacked Iran. An agreement ending the war was signed earlier this week. Haberman and Swan’s reporting appears in a book, Regime Change, that will be published in the US on Tuesday. Excerpts have included accounts of Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran, Situation Room discussions about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and attempts to suspend legal rights amid an immigration crackdown.#iran #israel #donald_trump #elon_musk #tucker_carlson

SpaceX Stock Plummets 9% Amid Post-IPO Selloff SpaceX’s stock experienced a sharp decline on Monday, marking its third consecutive day of losses following a volatile trading period since its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO). The company, founded by Elon Musk, had launched its public trading debut on June 12, 2026, with shares initially priced at $135. However, the euphoria of the IPO’s record-breaking debut quickly gave way to a steep correction. By the end of the week, the stock had fallen 9% on Monday, continuing a selloff that had seen shares tumble in the previous two trading days. The IPO, which raised billions in capital, initially saw SpaceX’s market capitalization surge to surpass that of Amazon and briefly overtake Microsoft before retreating. Despite the initial rally, the company’s stock faced significant pressure as investors began to reassess its valuation. The stock had dropped 5% and 3.6% on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, before the Juneteenth holiday on Friday. While the stock remained up 37% since its debut, the rapid decline raised concerns among market participants. SpaceX’s financial disclosures added to the uncertainty. On Monday, the company announced a senior unsecured notes offering and revealed it held $100.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of June 19. This figure, while substantial, did not deter the selloff, as investors questioned the sustainability of the company’s growth prospects. The firm reported a $4.9 billion net loss in 2025 and lost $4.28 billion in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting its ongoing financial challenges. The IPO’s impact extended beyond the stock market. Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire, and thousands of new millionaires emerged from the offering.#market_capitalization #spacex #elon_musk #initial_public_offering #juneteenth_holiday
SpaceX lands investment-grade credit ratings as shares tumble from record high SpaceX has received investment-grade credit ratings from all three major rating agencies just days after its record-breaking stock market debut, despite its newly listed shares experiencing a sharp decline on Thursday. The aerospace and AI company, led by Elon Musk, secured its first-time ratings from Moody's, Fitch, and S&P Global, marking a significant milestone that positions its debt in investment-grade territory. This could enable the company to access cheaper financing as it funds a massive expansion plan. The ratings were announced less than a week after SpaceX's historic initial public offering (IPO), which raised approximately $85.7 billion (€73.8 billion), setting a new record for the largest IPO in history. Moody's assigned SpaceX a Baa1 long-term issuer rating with a stable outlook, citing the company's "exceptional franchise strength" as the world's leading orbital launch provider and operator of Starlink, the largest low Earth orbit satellite broadband network. The agency noted that Starlink has become SpaceX's primary cash flow generator, supporting improved scale, wider margins, and a gradual shift away from more cyclical launch revenue. Moody's also highlighted risks, including the heavy execution and financial demands of SpaceX's large-scale AI buildout. The agency warned of high capital intensity, sustained negative free cash flow, and an uncertain range of returns. It emphasized the company's reliance on the next-generation Starship V3 vehicle, cautioning that technical setbacks or delays could pressure long-term growth. Additionally, the agency pointed to elevated governance risks tied to SpaceX's controlled structure and concentrated voting power, which limit independent board oversight and make the firm heavily dependent on Elon Musk.#spacex #elon_musk #moody_s #fitch #s_p_global
Tesla Model 3: Features That Never Made It From Prototype to Production The Tesla Model 3, which debuted a decade ago, marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry by proving that mass-market electric vehicles could be both practical and innovative. Its development faced significant challenges, including what Elon Musk famously termed “production hell,” a period of intense manufacturing struggles to scale production to 5,000 units per week by 2018. Before the Model 3 reached consumers, Tesla unveiled its initial design concepts, which showcased features that were ultimately omitted from the final production model. A closer look at these early prototypes reveals the compromises made to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs while maintaining the car’s affordability. The prototype vehicles featured several distinct exterior elements that were later removed. One of the most notable was the Model S-style self-presenting door handles, which physically popped out as the driver approached. These mechanical handles were replaced in production with the simpler, flush manual pivot handles seen today. Inside the cabin, the original design leaned heavily into an ultra-clean white aesthetic, with door panels and interior door handles almost entirely white. This made the white trim significantly more dominant than the more subdued color schemes used in the final production models. The center console also included a solid white trim plate with integrated cup holder covers, a design choice that was abandoned in favor of a more streamlined approach. Interestingly, the upcoming three-row, six-seat Model Y appears to be incorporating a return to this covered console design.#tesla #elon_musk #model_y #model_3 #lars_moravy

SpaceX's Upcoming IPO: Key Insights for Investors SpaceX, the space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, is preparing for a highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) that could reshape its valuation and investor perception. The company’s private market value has surged to approximately $1.5 trillion following a $250 billion acquisition of an artificial intelligence lab from its founder, which has positioned SpaceX for a significant public market entry. Analysts from Morningstar are now evaluating the company’s fundamentals, potential risks, and long-term prospects as it seeks to offer around 3% of its shares to public investors. The IPO is expected to be a major event, with a small initial float bolstered by the participation of nearly every investment bank globally. Buoyant investor appetite for AI infrastructure and the potential for SpaceX to gain inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 Index within 15 trading days of the IPO are seen as key drivers of demand. However, the company’s stock is anticipated to face challenges, particularly during the “Max Q” phase—when the greatest atmospheric pressure on a launch vehicle occurs—months after the IPO, as private investors and employees begin selling their shares into the public market. SpaceX’s business model is built around its dominance in space transportation and satellite communications. The company designs, manufactures, and operates reusable rockets to launch payloads into Earth orbit for government and commercial clients. Since 2019, it has expanded into satellite communications through its Starlink brand, which provides mobile broadband and wireless services. In early 2026, SpaceX acquired xAI, the company behind the large language AI model Grok, the gigawatt-scale data center Colossus, and the social media platform X.#starlink #spacex #elon_musk #xai #morningstar
AI Giant Anthropic Plans U.S. Stock Market Listing Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company, has announced its intention to become a publicly traded firm in the United States. The move, which follows similar plans by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is expected to test investor confidence in the rapidly growing AI sector. While the company has not yet finalized the price or number of shares to be offered, its valuation of over $965 billion has positioned it ahead of OpenAI, which is valued at approximately $852 billion. This marks a significant milestone for Anthropic, which was founded just five years ago by CEO Dario Amodei and a small team of executives. Amodei, who previously worked at OpenAI, left the company after disagreements with its CEO, Sam Altman. Since then, Anthropic and OpenAI have emerged as fierce competitors in the AI industry, both developing advanced generative models and vying for market share among users and corporate clients. OpenAI, too, is reportedly considering a public listing this year, though Altman has stated the company is not in a hurry to proceed. “We’ll do it when it makes sense,” Altman said during an interview with CNBC. The potential IPOs of Anthropic and OpenAI could set a new precedent for how public markets value AI-driven companies. Analysts have highlighted the significance of Anthropic’s IPO, noting that it will be closely scrutinized by investors. Troy Hooper, a leader in equity capital markets at Mergermarket, emphasized that neither firm wants to be the last major AI company to go public. “The first mover has a real chance to define how public markets value generative AI, setting up the yardstick that investors will use to measure everyone else,” Hooper said. Beyond the financial implications, Anthropic has faced legal challenges, particularly with the U.S. Department of Defense.#spacex #dario_amodei #elon_musk #anthropic #openai

Tesla’s FSD Launch in China Heats Up Competition with Domestic EV Makers Tesla has officially launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion. The rollout, which received regulatory approval just one week after Elon Musk’s visit to Beijing as part of a U.S. delegation led by President Donald Trump, is set to intensify competition with China’s domestic electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. The FSD system, now available in China and nine other countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the Netherlands, represents a major step forward in autonomous driving technology. The decision to approve FSD in China comes amid growing interest in level three (L3) automated driving, which has been legal in the country for several years. Tesla’s entry into the market is expected to accelerate innovation in autonomous driving, according to Gary Ng Cheuk-yan, a senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank. Ng noted that Trump’s visit to China likely expedited the regulatory process, creating a more favorable environment for Tesla’s expansion. “Tesla’s entry will drive greater competition and accelerate innovative development of [autonomous driving] in China,” he said. To prepare for the FSD rollout, Tesla has been operating a local artificial intelligence data center in China, which supports localized training capabilities for the system. This approach is crucial for adapting the technology to China’s specific road conditions and regulatory requirements. The company’s localisation strategy is also seen as a key factor in regaining market share in the country. Tesla’s market share in China declined to 6 percent in 2025 from a peak of 16 percent in 2020, according to Ng.#donald_trump #tesla #elon_musk #byd #nio

Elon Musk slams Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ casting, claims Lupita Nyong’o was chosen because “he wants the awards” Elon Musk has intensified public criticism of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, focusing on the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra. The controversy erupted after Musk directly responded to a post by conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who accused Nolan of avoiding white actresses for the role due to fears of backlash. Musk’s brief reply, “True,” amplified the debate, suggesting he agreed with Walsh’s claim that Nolan’s casting choices were politically motivated. Musk expanded his critique in another online exchange, addressing accusations that Hollywood filmmakers were engaging in “race swapping” by altering historical characters. He implied that Nolan’s decision to cast Nyong’o was driven by a desire to secure awards-season recognition and align with Academy inclusion standards. This marks another instance in a series of public criticisms Musk has directed at Nolan’s project, which he has previously accused of misrepresenting Homer’s original depiction of Helen of Troy. Earlier this year, Musk also criticized reports of actor Elliot Page potentially joining the film, further fueling skepticism about the project’s creative direction. The backlash against Nolan’s casting choices quickly spread across social media and television, with prominent figures like Whoopi Goldberg defending Nyong’o. During an episode of The View, Goldberg countered criticism of Nyong’o’s appearance, emphasizing her status as one of the world’s most celebrated screen performers and fashion icons. She argued that the focus on her ethnicity overshadowed her artistic contributions to the film.#elon_musk #the_odyssey #christopher_nolan #lupita_nyongo #matt_walsh

Shivon Zilis, Mother of Musk Children, Testifies in OpenAI Trial Shivon Zilis, a former board member of OpenAI Inc. and the mother of four of Elon Musk’s children, took the stand on the sixth day of a high-profile trial in Oakland, California. The case centers on Musk’s lawsuit against two of his co-founders, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman, whom he alleges have prioritized personal gain over the nonprofit mission of the artificial intelligence startup. Zilis, who has a complex relationship with Musk, provided insights into the inner workings of OpenAI and the dynamics between its co-founders. Zilis joined OpenAI in 2016 and served on its board of directors for several years, acting as a liaison between Musk and the firm’s other co-founders after their relationship soured. She left the board in 2023 following Musk’s launch of a competing AI company, xAI, and has since worked at Musk’s brain science startup, Neuralink, and Tesla, where Musk is CEO. During her testimony, Zilis described her evolving relationship with Musk, which began with a “one-off” encounter at a corporate event and later developed into a romantic partnership. She emphasized that her role as a board member was guided by her commitment to “AI for humanity,” not personal ties to Musk. Musk’s legal team, led by Jennifer Schubert, questioned Zilis about her loyalties, particularly regarding her interactions with Altman and Brockman. Schubert asked if Zilis’s role was to “funnel information to Elon,” to which she replied, “Funnel? Absolutely not.” Zilis also addressed a message she sent to Musk in 2017, in which she referred to the “trust game” as a metaphor for her interactions with other board members.#elon_musk #sam_altman #shivon_zilis #greg_brockman #openai_inc
