As tensions rise between two of the most influential figures in U.S. politics and business, President Donald Trump on Tuesday responded to a reporter’s question about whether Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk could face deportation from the United States.
“I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look,” Trump said, according to Newsweek, when asked directly about the possibility of Musk being deported.
The comment comes amid a deepening rift between the former allies, fueled by disagreements over Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending-reduction package, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill proposes, among other things, eliminating electric vehicle subsidies — a move that would directly impact Musk’s business empire.
Trump Threatens More Than Subsidies
Speaking to reporters before departing for a trip to Florida, Trump issued a veiled warning:
“We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” he said, referencing the Department of Government Efficiency, an agency Musk himself was tasked with leading when Trump returned to office.
“DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”
Earlier, Trump suggested that Musk — who has received billions in government contracts and subsidies — could lose far more than EV tax credits if the bill becomes law.
“Elon may have received more government subsidy than any human being in history,” Trump posted on social media. “Without them, he’d probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
Musk Hits Back: “America Party” Incoming
Musk, who has been openly critical of Trump’s bill, fired back on X (formerly Twitter), threatening to launch a new political movement in response.
“If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,” Musk wrote.
“Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.”
A Former Alliance in Flames
Musk was one of Trump’s biggest donors in the 2024 election cycle. But their relationship has since soured, culminating in a public feud that escalated when Musk falsely suggested Trump was linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files — a claim he later retracted.
Trump, meanwhile, has floated the idea of slashing government spending by cutting contracts for Musk’s companies.
“No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production, and our country would save a FORTUNE,” Trump wrote. “Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard look at this. BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
The battle between the billionaire tech mogul and the president is quickly becoming one of the most high-profile political showdowns of 2025 — with potential consequences for the future of government spending, the tech sector, and even Musk’s place in America.
