U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off government subsidies for Elon Musk’s businesses, such as SpaceX and Tesla, due to the tech tycoon’s outspoken opposition to his signature measure, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” amid an escalating public dispute with the billionaire.
The South African-born businessman would have to “close up shop and head back home” without federal assistance, Trump said in a jab at Elon Musk, his former advisor.
Trump posted on Truth Social that “Elon Musk may receive more subsidies than any human being in history, by far.” “Elon would most likely have to shut down and return to South Africa without subsidies.”
In response, Musk embraced the task. “CUT IT ALL, I’m telling you. On X (previously Twitter), he wrote, “Now,” challenging the president to carry out the threat.
Since Musk’s resignation in May as the head of the Trump-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), their falling out has been smouldering. Musk’s vocal criticism of the president’s expansive spending plan and his demand for the creation of a new political party last month deepened the divide.
Musk stepped up his criticism of Republicans as the Senate started voting on the $4.5 trillion package Monday, calling them complicit in “debt slavery.”
He wrote, “I just hope we don’t wipe out America.” “If we keep raising it, what good is a debt ceiling?”
The bill, which seeks to strengthen border security and prolong Trump’s first-term tax cuts, has generated intense GOP discussion. Many Republicans are concerned about the bill’s effects, which include millions of low-income Americans losing their health insurance and the national debt rising by more than $3 trillion, despite Trump’s desire to make it a legacy-defining accomplishment.
Long-time opponent of electric vehicle mandates, Trump reaffirmed his position in a post that read, “Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.” Additionally, he implied that DOGE ought to look into Musk’s businesses more thoroughly.
Meta Whistleblower: Mark Zuckerberg Is “Hand in Glove” With China, Deceiving Americans
Trump wrote, “Our country would save a fortune if there were no more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production.” “Perhaps we ought to have DOGE examine this thoroughly? LARGE AMOUNTS TO BE SAVED