Trump-Musk Feud Escalates: Presidential Threats and Political Showdowns
President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of deporting Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO and naturalized U.S. citizen, following Musk’s ongoing criticisms of Trump's signature tax and spending legislation dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” This comment came just as Trump prepared to visit a Florida immigration detention center known colloquially as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
‘DOGE Might Have to Go After Elon,’ Trump Quips
Speaking to reporters before his Florida trip, Trump suggested that Musk may face intensified government scrutiny. “We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” Trump said, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency aimed at cutting wasteful spending. “You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”
Trump further criticized Musk, alleging he benefits from more government subsidies than anyone in history, insinuating that without these, Musk would have to shutter his companies and potentially return to South Africa, his birthplace.
The Fallout: From Alliance to Intense Rivalry
Just months earlier, Musk had been a crucial supporter of Trump’s political agenda, providing substantial backing during the 2024 election. However, their relationship soured sharply when Musk openly opposed the president's sweeping tax and spending bill, labeling it an “insane spending bill” with excessive debt implications.
Musk warned that if the bill passed, he would form a new political party called the “America Party.” He called for dismantling the entrenched Democrat-Republican dominance, asserting, “Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.”
Musk’s Bold Political Moves
- Musk vowed to back primary challengers against nearly all Republicans supporting the bill.
- He accused lawmakers who campaigned on reducing government spending but then voted for historic debt increases as hypocrites.
- Graphics shared by Musk emphasize growing national debt concerns exceeding $36 trillion.
Diverging Views on Electric Vehicle Policies
The clash also saw debates over electric vehicle mandates and subsidies. Trump defended his opposition to mandatory EV ownership, stating, “Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.”
Meanwhile, Musk indicated that eliminating EV incentives could actually benefit Tesla by making the playing field more competitive, countering some of Trump's claims that Musk relies heavily on subsidies.
Market and Political Reactions
The feud appears to have tangible repercussions. Tesla's stock price fell by 6% following the latest rounds of public barbs. Despite this, year-to-date, the shares have recovered from earlier lows.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed Musk’s criticisms, focusing instead on fiscal responsibility and praising Musk’s achievements in space exploration.
Background: The Big Spending Bill and Its Controversy
The bill in question proposes unprecedented spending increases and tax changes that could add over $3 trillion to the national debt across a decade, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. It contains deeper tax cuts and fewer spending reductions than earlier versions. Additionally, analysts warn that millions might lose health insurance primarily due to Medicaid reductions.
Musk's opposition stems largely from concerns about the burgeoning debt and perceived misallocation of taxpayer funds, criticizing what he calls “pork-filled Congressional spending” that undermines future-oriented industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Looking Ahead
The bill still requires further votes before it lands on President Trump's desk, while the political showdown between Musk and Trump continues to unfold beneath the surface of these legislative battles. Musk's threats to reshape the political landscape and Trump's readiness to counterattack spotlight growing tensions between one of America’s most influential tech entrepreneurs and the nation's highest office.
