United States President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh wave of controversy after hinting that he might consider deporting South African-born billionaire and tech mogul, Elon Musk, following a heated political rift that has recently emerged between the two influential figures.
During a press conference held at the White House on Tuesday, Trump was questioned by reporters about the possibility of deporting Musk, to which he cryptically replied, “I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look.” The ambiguous response has since sparked widespread speculation and debate both within political circles and across social media platforms worldwide.
The relationship between Trump and Musk, which was once perceived as strong and mutually supportive, began to deteriorate dramatically after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s signature legislative effort, referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Musk’s primary objection focused on the decision to significantly cut back federal support and incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), an industry in which Musk’s company, Tesla, is a global leader.
Trump, visibly irked by Musk’s vocal opposition, took the opportunity to highlight Musk’s reliance on government incentives, suggesting that Musk’s success in America might be more fragile than it appears. He added that the government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk once led before stepping down in May, could potentially review and possibly withdraw Musk’s access to valuable subsidies and federal contracts.
“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 during the conference, delivering the comment in a tone that mixed humor with a pointed warning.
The president further suggested that Musk’s frustrations and public attacks stemmed from the removal of policies favorable to EVs from the bill. “He’s losing his EV mandate. He’s very upset about things, but he could lose a lot more than that,” Trump declared, signaling that further repercussions could be on the horizon for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO.
In an additional post on his Truth Social platform, Trump doubled down on his criticism, stating: “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.” This statement further fueled speculation that Trump’s administration might be considering drastic actions against Musk and his companies, potentially impacting Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures heavily dependent on government cooperation and incentives.
Elon Musk, who is currently the world’s richest man, previously shared a close working relationship with Trump, offering substantial financial support during the 2024 presidential race and serving as the head of DOGE. However, tensions began to rise when Musk accused Trump and the broader Republican Party of retreating from leadership roles in advancing clean energy initiatives and EV infrastructure development—key areas of Musk’s business empire and personal advocacy.
The feud has escalated even further with Musk recently hinting at the formation of a new political movement called the “America Party.” According to Musk, this new movement would focus on promoting clean energy, technological innovation, and policies aimed at future-proofing America’s economic and environmental landscape. Musk suggested that if Trump’s controversial spending bill passes without provisions for EV and green energy support, he would have no choice but to break away and establish this alternative political path.
This dramatic fallout between two of the most high-profile figures in American business and politics has captivated audiences worldwide, fueling intense debates about the role of government in supporting emerging technologies and the limits of political loyalty among influential leaders. As both sides continue to exchange heated words and threats, observers await further developments with bated breath, knowing the outcome could have lasting implications for U.S. politics, the EV industry, and the global tech landscape.