US President Donald Trump has issued a deportation warning to Elon Musk, his former advisor and CEO of Tesla, amid a growing feud between the two. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his frustration with Musk, stating, “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa”.
The tension between Trump and Musk began after Musk criticized the Republican tax and spending bill, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Trump had previously appointed Musk as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but their relationship soured when Musk expressed his opposition to the bill. Trump responded sharply, first expressing disappointment in the Oval Office and then via Truth Social, threatening to terminate billions in government contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies.
When asked by reporters at the White House if deportation was on the table, Trump replied, “I don’t know… we’ll have to take a look.” This statement suggests that Trump is considering taking action against Musk, who was born in South Africa. Trump’s warning comes amid a renewed bickering between the two, with Musk firing salvos at Trump in recent days.
Trump’s threat to deport Musk is likely linked to Musk’s criticism of the tax and spending bill. Trump stated that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should review the subsidies that Tesla has received, implying that Musk’s companies are dependent on government support. “Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one”.
The feud between Trump and Musk has intensified in recent days, with both sides engaging in public insults. Trump’s warning to Musk highlights the complex relationship between the US government and tech billionaires, particularly those who receive significant government subsidies and contracts. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through on his threat to deport Musk.