Trump Hints at Deporting Elon Musk After Billionaire Criticizes Spending Bill and EV Policy
Trump Hints at Possible Deportation of Elon Musk Following Public Dispute Over Spending Bill
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between two of the most high-profile figures in American politics and business, President Donald Trump has suggested he might consider deporting Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The South African-born billionaire, who became a key donor during Trump’s 2024 campaign, has recently emerged as a vocal critic of the administration’s flagship legislation—the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
During a press interaction at the White House on Tuesday, Trump was asked directly whether he would consider deporting Musk. His response was pointed: “I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look.” He went further by referencing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federal oversight body that Musk once chaired before stepping down in May. “We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon,” Trump remarked, invoking a metaphor that immediately drew widespread attention on social media and political circles alike.
Sources close to the administration indicate that the tension stems from Musk’s recent criticism of the spending bill, which originally included robust subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs). Those measures were reportedly scrapped in the final version, triggering backlash from Musk, who accused Republicans of turning their backs on the nation’s clean energy ambitions. Trump acknowledged this in his comments, saying, “He’s losing his EV mandate. He’s very upset about things, but you know, he could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you right now. Elon can lose a lot more than that.”
The friction has also spilled over into the digital realm, with Trump taking to his Truth Social platform late Monday to reiterate his stance. In a sharply worded post, he said, “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.” The post has since gone viral, further fueling speculation about the deteriorating relationship between the two once-close allies.
Musk, who holds U.S. citizenship, has not officially responded to Trump’s deportation remarks. However, he has intensified his criticism of the administration’s approach to energy policy and political unity. In recent days, Musk has revived calls for a new political movement called the “America Party,” warning that current leadership on both sides of the aisle has failed to meet the nation’s technological and environmental challenges.
The irony of the situation lies in Musk’s significant role in Trump’s 2024 electoral success. Once a near-constant presence at campaign rallies and strategy meetings, Musk now finds himself targeted by the very administration he helped bring to power. The evolving feud raises questions about the intersection of politics, business interests, and personal loyalties at the highest levels of government.
As this high-stakes drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Trump will act on his suggestion or if this is simply a rhetorical tactic aimed at silencing dissent. Either way, the implications for U.S. innovation policy, political realignment, and billionaire influence in governance could be profound.
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