Amid escalating tensions with billionaire Elon Musk, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the tech mogul over his criticism of the administration’s signature legislation—the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping $4.5 trillion proposal aimed at extending Trump-era tax cuts and boosting border security.
The clash took a sharp turn when Trump threatened to cut federal subsidies to Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far,” Trump declared in a Truth Social post. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
The President went on to suggest that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federal body Musk once led—should investigate Musk’s business empire. “No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production, and our country would save a FORTUNE,” Trump said. “Perhaps DOGE should take a good, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED.”
Musk, who previously served as a top advisor in Trump’s administration before resigning in May, fired back on X (formerly Twitter), urging the President to follow through on his threat. “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now,” he posted, signaling a willingness to operate without federal support.
The public feud marks a dramatic breakdown in the relationship between the two powerful figures. Once allies, their alliance began to unravel last month following Musk’s vocal opposition to the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Musk has since accused Trump of promoting irresponsible fiscal policy, and has called for the creation of a new political party, denouncing both Republicans and Democrats.
As the Senate convened to vote on the controversial bill Monday, Musk doubled down on his criticism, accusing GOP lawmakers of supporting “debt slavery.”
“All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” Musk said on social media. “What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
Trump, meanwhile, has defended the bill as a crucial part of his presidential legacy, despite backlash from both within his party and the public. The legislation would reportedly add over $3 trillion to the national debt and eliminate healthcare coverage for millions of low-income Americans—elements that have divided Republican lawmakers ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In a separate post, Trump reiterated his opposition to the electric vehicle mandate, which he described as “ridiculous,” further distancing himself from Musk’s green-energy vision. “Electric cars are fine,” he said, “but not everyone should be forced to own one.”
As the political showdown intensifies, the Musk-Trump feud underscores deeper divisions within the Republican party and raises pressing questions about the future of U.S. tech innovation, government subsidies, and fiscal policy.
