Gaza aid, 'TACO Trump', Musk 'offboarded', Macron and 'le slap'
Episode description
This week saw Israel attempt a new plan to distribute food in Gaza, bypassing the UN and using American private contractors known as the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. But it was suspended on day one after looting, chaos and security measures were overwhelmed by desperate crowds. Meanwhile, the once-steadfast support of Israel's key allies has seen a diplomatic erosion, with private outrage turning to public condemnation.
It's also been the week that Elon Musk said goodbye to the Trump administration and left his role at the White House. The world's richest man said his time has come to an end at the Department of Government Efficiency, just days after his public critique of Trump's so-called big beautiful tax bill, calling it too expensive and undermining the point of DOGE. Washington insiders quoted sources suggesting Musk had been seen as a bit of nuisance in the Trump inner circle. White House officials told reporters he was "offboarded" on Wednesday night.
Finally, it was a week that created an inadvertent legacy moment for French President Emmanuel Macron on a visit to Southeast Asia: a push in the face from the first lady. The moment is likely to be included in every future look back at the president's career. Pay no attention to the couple behind the plane's curtain, it was just "play fighting", the French president said.
Produced by Siobhan Silke, Aurore Laborie and Gavin Lee.