President Trump Threatens Action Against Elon Musk Over Government Subsidies

President Trump has announced plans to leverage the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate subsidies provided to Elon Musk’s companies. He even hinted at considering deportation for the tech billionaire.

Trump criticized Musk after the Tesla CEO reiterated his disdain for the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” describing it as “utterly insane” and “political suicide.” Early Tuesday, Trump claimed, “Elon likely receives more subsidies than anyone in history, and without them, he would probably have to shut down and return to South Africa.”

President Trump at a press conference — Trump indicated that his administration is contemplating deporting Elon Musk.

He suggested, “No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production, and the country would save a fortune. Maybe DOGE should take a good, hard look at this. BIG money to be saved!”

Later, Trump told reporters that his administration might consider deporting Musk, joking, “We might have to put DOGE on Elon. The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible? He gets many subsidies.”

The president’s remarks come after Musk expressed frustration on social media over the massive spending bill passing through the Senate, calling it destructive and highlighting its negative impact on future industries.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media with Elon Musk in the background — Trump and Musk in a Tesla Model S, reigniting their feud after Musk’s departure from the White House in May.

Musk criticized the bill, stating, “It will destroy millions of jobs and cause strategic harm to our nation.” He also accused lawmakers who campaigned about reducing spending of hypocrisy, especially those who backed the bill.

Donald Trump at a press conference — Trump accused lawmakers supportive of the bill of hypocrisy, claiming he opposed the EV mandate long before endorsing him for president.

Trump responded to the criticism on Truth Social, asserting, “Elon Musk knew, well before he endorsed me, that I was against the EV mandate.” The feud between the two was further fueled by Musk’s recent support for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office.

Elon Musk wearing a "DOGE" hat — Musk publicly criticized Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and expressed his discontent with the political landscape.

Despite ongoing tensions, Musk apologized to Trump, who indicated a possible reconciliation. Musk had previously left his role in DOGE and departed the Trump administration on May 29, approximately 130 days after Trump’s inauguration.