The once-cozy alliance between President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has exploded into a bitter political battle, with Trump now threatening deportation and the cancellation of lucrative federal contracts tied to Musk’s empire. The fallout stems from Musk’s public campaign against Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a massive spending package that Musk says betrays every principle of fiscal responsibility.
Trump didn’t hold back. At a White House press conference, he said, “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history… Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this.” When asked directly whether Musk could be deported, Trump responded, “We might have to put DOGE on Elon… DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”
Musk, a U.S. citizen, is not legally subject to deportation, but the remark has ignited concerns about the political weaponization of government agencies and contracts. It also marks a major escalation in a feud that has rocked both Capitol Hill and Wall Street.
Elon Musk Slams Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
The feud reached boiling point after Musk attacked Trump’s bill on social media, accusing Republican lawmakers of betraying the American people. “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 wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He promised to fund primary challenges against Republicans who supported the bill, posting, “They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.” He even threatened to create a third political party — “The America Party” if the bill becomes law.
Musk has insisted his opposition is not about electric vehicle tax credits or personal gain. “All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” he wrote. But Trump sees it differently. “He’s upset that he’s losing his EV mandate,” Trump said, adding that Musk could lose far more than tax breaks if he continues to challenge the administration.
Tesla Shares Plunge Amid Political Drama
Tesla’s stock plummeted nearly 7% on Tuesday following Musk’s online tirade and Trump’s threats. The company had already dipped 2% on Monday, even as the broader market rallied. Analysts say investors are increasingly worried that Trump may follow through with threats to revoke subsidies or contracts tied to Musk’s companies.
Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities noted, “Tesla investors want Musk to focus on driving Tesla and stop this political angle.” Tesla relies on federal tax incentives and emissions credits — both of which are now under threat from Trump’s administration. Losing the EV tax credit alone could cost Tesla $1.2 billion annually, with another $2 billion at risk from regulatory credit sales.
Trump and Musk’s Alliance Crumbles in Public
Just weeks ago, Musk called himself a “friend and advisor” to Trump and pledged to support the administration from outside government. But the tone shifted after Musk left his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency, a post he held to cut federal spending. The final straw came when Musk accused Trump of covering up connections to Jeffrey Epstein a claim he later walked back.
Trump, who once praised Musk as a genius, has now turned against him. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The White House has doubled down, arguing that Musk’s opposition is rooted in personal loss — particularly the end of electric vehicle mandates and government handouts. Whether that’s true or not, the public rift between two of the most powerful men in the country has sent shockwaves through markets and political circles alike.
Trump Threatens Elon Musk with Deportation Over Spending Bill Dispute
The Trump–Musk feud has gone from private fallout to national spectacle, centered around one of the most expensive spending packages in U.S. history. While Musk demands accountability for what he sees as reckless fiscal policies, Trump warns of consequences, from ending government contracts to joking about deportation.
Though Musk remains a U.S. citizen, the president’s remarks expose the dangerous edge of political retaliation. The fight has already cost Tesla billions, ignited panic among investors, and fueled talk of a political realignment.
Whether this ends in reconciliation, deeper division, or full-blown political war, one thing is clear: Trump threatens Elon Musk with deportation, and America is watching.