Elon Musk responded to President Donald Trump’s threat to deport him, hinting at escalation but choosing restraint in their ongoing feud over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The Senate-approved legislation has deepened their rift, with Musk criticising its $5 trillion debt impact.
Trump, speaking at a Florida migrant detention centre opening, suggested deporting Musk, a U.S. citizen since 2002, saying, “We’ll have to take a look.” He also threatened to target SpaceX and Tesla subsidies, joking, “DOGE is the monster that might have to eat Elon.” Musk, posting on X, replied, “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now,” signaling restraint but hinting at future action, possibly funding a rival “America Party.”
REPORTER: "Are you going to deport Elon Musk?"
TRUMP: "We'll have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies."
pic.twitter.com/gOZB96nsVh
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) July 1, 2025Musk, Trump’s top 2024 election donor with $292 million, led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) until May 2025. Their alliance soured over Trump’s bill, which extends $4.5 trillion in tax cuts but cuts EV subsidies, impacting Tesla. Musk called it “insane” and “destructive,” citing a $2.4–$5 trillion debt increase per CBO estimates. Trump countered that Musk’s opposition stems from lost subsidies, claiming, “Elon would have to close up shop and head back to South Africa.”
🚨 REPORTER : Are you going to deport Elon Musk?
DONALD TRUMP : "We'll have to take a look. We will cut Tesla subsidies. Then Elon would probably head back home to South Africa"
ELON MUSK 🔥 : Cut it all !! We will definitely launch America Party if this big beautiful bill is… pic.twitter.com/I9LqCK0JOa
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) July 1, 2025The Senate’s passage of the bill on July 1, despite opposition from Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis, marks a win for Trump, though House approval remains uncertain due to GOP rebels like Thomas Massie. Musk’s threats to unseat supporters and launch a new party challenge Republican unity. Tesla shares fell 14.3%, losing $150 billion, reflecting market sensitivity to the feud. The bill’s cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, affecting 11.8 million Americans, add to the controversy.
Read: Trump Hints at Deporting Elon Musk Amid Feud Over Tax Bill
The Musk-Trump feud, fueled by deportation threats and subsidy disputes, highlights tensions between personal loyalty and policy differences. It impacts U.S. fiscal policy, EV markets, and GOP dynamics ahead of 2026 midterms. Musk’s influence as a tech titan and former ally makes this clash a pivotal moment, raising questions about political retribution and economic stability.
