Trump–Musk Conflict Reignites Amid Dogecoin and Immigration Remarks
Donald Trump and Elon Musk's quarrel erupted again this week, with the former political allies exchanging strong public threats of retaliation. The feud, which centred on Musk's opposition to Trump's centrepiece tax reform as it proceeds through Congress, marks the end of a period of reconciliation between two of the world's most powerful men.
Musk launched a series of assaults on Trump's massive spending package on his social media platform X, calling the legislation "insane" and pledging to start a new political party if it passed late Monday. In reaction, Trump stated that he may "look into" deporting the South African-born billionaire, as well as cutting government subsidies for Musk's firms or establishing the so-called "department of government efficiency" (Doge) under its previous boss.
"Doge is the monster that may have to return and eat Elon. Wouldn't that be terrible? Trump questioned reporters on Tuesday.
Musk's attempt to torpedo the tax measure was a big reason in his fallout with the president last month, and the Tesla CEO's latest offensive comes at a critical juncture as Trump works to get the legislation through Congress. The fight could put Musk's political clout in the Republican Party to the test as he works to sway support for the bill, as well as erode his once-close relationship with Trump.
Musk has repeatedly criticised the legislation Trump refers to as his "big, beautiful bill" for having the potential to undo the federal government cuts he made through Doge and for adding trillions of dollars to the national debt, which he has warned will "bankrupt America" and jeopardise his dream of reaching Mars. Musk, a prominent Republican megadonor, has stepped up his campaign in recent days, threatening to start his own "America Party" and challenge senators who supported the measure in the 2026 primary elections.
"Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!" Musk made a post.
"They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth."
Trump has denied Musk's objections to the plan, claiming that his opposition stems from the measure's elimination of a tax credit for people who purchase electric vehicles.
"Elon is very upset that the EV mandate will be repealed," Trump stated on Tuesday. "Not everyone wants an electric vehicle. "I do not want an electric car."
When asked if Trump was thinking of deporting Musk, he said he didn't know but would "take a look". Musk responded to a video of the comments on X, stating, "It's tempting to escalate this. So, so enticing. But I'll hold off for now." Trump purchased a Tesla in March.
Trump's comments were a dramatic contrast to only a few months before, when he staged a Tesla showcase on the White House lawn in front of the media, encouraging his fans to buy Musk's cars and sitting in the driver's seat of a red Model S. In contrast, Trump warned last week that he may destroy Musk's businesses.
"Elon may receive more subsidies than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would most likely have to close shop and return home to South Africa," Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Monday. "No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE."
Musk's enterprises, particularly SpaceX, have a tight relationship with US government agencies and have won billions of dollars in contracts from them. Meanwhile, the government has grown to rely on SpaceX for major components of its space travel and satellite communications programs, and the business is being considered for a role in the development of a new multibillion-dollar missile defence system. Musk's symbiotic relationship with the government makes any political conflicts sensitive for his enterprises, and Tesla's share price fell on Monday and Tuesday as the feud escalated.