US politics live: Donald Trump pulls nomination of Elon Musk ally as he leaves White House

Donald Trump delivered a major blow to Elon Musk, days after the billionaire exited the administration with a rare swipe at the President. Follow live.

Welcome, once again, to our live coverage of US politics.

US President Donald Trump will announce his new pick to lead NASA after the White House pulled its nomination for a billionaire entrepreneur with close ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk — just days before Jared Isaacman was expected to receive a confirmation vote in the Senate.

Meanwhile, musician and philanthropist Bono, the lead singer in the band U2, has engaged in a discussion about American aid with megapodcaster Joe Rogan on his show The Joe Rogan Experience.

And a federal appeals court has upheld a legal pause on Mr Trump’s mass firings from various agencies, delivering the Republican administration another legal setback in reshaping the executive branch.

Earlier, Mr Trump was asked about an explosive New York Times report on Mr Musk’s alleged drug use.

Elsewhere, Mr Trump said he would double America’s tariff rate on steel imports to 50 per cent, in a move that has infuriated the Australian government.

The US President blurted out the latest escalation in his trade war at a rally in Pennsylvania, touting it as a “blockbuster agreement”.

Not in the eyes of Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell, however, who furiously responded in a statement.

Read on for more updates.

Originally published as US politics live: Donald Trump pulls nomination of Elon Musk ally as he leaves White House