President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted at the possibility of deporting Elon Musk, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency, following a public clash over a key legislative proposal. The tensions between Trump and Musk have resurfaced after a period of relative calm, with Musk taking to social media to criticize Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
Speaking to reporters before a visit to a migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, Trump remarked, “I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look. 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.” He added, “Wouldn’t that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies.”
Escalating Tensions Over Legislative Agenda
The conflict between Trump and Musk intensified this week after Musk began opposing Trump’s major legislative initiative. Musk pledged to support primary challenges against congressmen backing the bill and even suggested forming a rival political party. Trump attributed Musk’s opposition to the absence of an electric vehicle subsidy in the proposed legislation.
“But Elon is very upset that the EV mandate is going to be terminated. And you know what? When you look at it … not everybody wants an electric car. I don’t want an electric car,” Trump stated.
Trump also hinted at withdrawing government contracts from Musk’s companies, a threat he first made on June 5. In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that Musk’s businesses could face significant financial challenges without government support.
“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,” Trump posted. “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”
Musk’s Response and Political Maneuvering
In the wake of Trump’s comments, Musk remained active on social media, focusing his criticism on the GOP megabill. He expressed discontent with the bill’s financial implications, calling it an “insane spending” measure that increases the debt ceiling by a record five trillion dollars. Musk’s posts signaled his intent to form a new political entity, the “America Party,” should the bill pass.
“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 declared. “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”
This latest development suggests a definitive end to the Trump-Musk partnership, which had been strained since early June. Despite a temporary easing of tensions, largely due to interventions by allies and shifting global concerns, the rift now appears irreparable.
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
The relationship between Trump and Musk has been tumultuous, marked by public disagreements and reconciliations. Historically, Musk has been a vocal critic of government policies that he perceives as detrimental to innovation and sustainability. His recent actions reflect a broader trend of tech leaders challenging political norms.
Philip Low, a neuroscientist and former longtime friend of Musk, suggested that Musk might adopt a more aggressive stance against Trump. “Knowing Elon the way I know him, I do think he’s going to do everything to damage the president,” Low told Politico. “He has been humiliated.”
Implications and Future Prospects
The fallout between Trump and Musk could have significant implications for both political and business landscapes. Musk’s potential formation of a new political party could disrupt traditional party dynamics, especially if it attracts significant public support. Meanwhile, the threat to Musk’s government contracts could impact his companies’ operations and financial stability.
As the situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how these high-profile figures navigate their differences and what it means for the broader political and economic environment. The coming weeks may reveal whether this conflict will lead to lasting changes or if it will eventually be resolved through negotiation and compromise.
