In an extraordinary turn of events, US President Donald Trump has openly suggested he may consider deporting Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire and former government official, after Musk launched scathing attacks on Trump’s flagship “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, President Trump was asked if Musk’s increasingly critical stance could lead to consequences such as deportation. His response was cryptic but threatening.
“I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look,” Trump said. “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.”
The president’s reference to DOGE — the Department of Government Efficiency — added an unsettling tone to the already tense relationship. Musk, who previously headed the department until stepping down in May, could now find himself in its crosshairs.
Trump hinted that DOGE may investigate Musk’s past and present government subsidies, particularly those involving his electric vehicle (EV) ventures and aerospace firm SpaceX.
The relationship between Trump and Musk had once been perceived as unshakeable. Musk was the largest individual donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign and a prominent figure during the early days of the new administration.
However, the alliance began to unravel earlier this month following major changes to Trump’s ambitious spending proposal, which originally included support for clean energy and EV infrastructure. Musk’s public criticism of the revised bill has been fierce and unrelenting, accusingthe Republican leadership of turning its back on innovation and America’s clean energy future.
“He’s losing his EV mandate. He’s very upset about things,” Trump said. “But you know, he could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you right now. Elon can lose a lot more than that.”
Musk, who remains the world’s richest person, has not taken the threats lying down. On Monday evening, he took to his preferred platform, X (formerly Twitter), and once again lashed out at Trump’s policy shift.
“The Republican Party has lost its way. If this bill passes, the America we believe in needs a new political home,” Musk posted.
He has floated the idea of launching a new political platform called the “America Party,” aimed at championing innovation, environmental leadership, and what he calls “next-gen capitalism.”
On Truth Social, Trump doubled down on his criticism, suggesting Musk’s businesses wouldn’t survive without federal assistance.
“Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump posted.
The comment has sparked widespread debate about Musk’s residency status, especially given his long-established citizenship and business investments in the United States.
The growing feud between two of the most influential figures in American politics and business is sending ripples through Washington and Silicon Valley. Analysts warn that the clash could undermine confidence in the government’s support for clean technology and polarise already fragile political alliances.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of any legal actions being pursued against Musk. However, with Trump known for political unpredictability, few are ruling anything out.
