President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Elon Musk and touted having the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) look into federal money received by the billionaire, who until May had spearheaded the very same department focused on slashing fraud and waste in U.S. government spending.
Trump took aim at Musk, the CEO of electric automaker Tesla and space tech firm Space SpaceX, after his former political ally sharply criticized the president’s flagship One Big Beautiful Bill Act for its impact on the federal deficit.
Newsweek has contacted Tesla for comment.
Why It Matters
Musk spent at least $250 million supporting Trump’s presidential campaign and then got a front row seat at the White House, leading the newly formed DOGE to cut government waste and eliminate the jobs of around 120,000 federal employees.
But the pair’s relationship soured with Musk criticizing Trump’s legislation as increasing the U.S. national debt and negating the savings he said he had achieved through DOGE.
Trump’s latest Truth Social post is the latest installment in the pair’s spat and could signal a move by the president to crack down on Musk’s business interests in the U.S. while the Tesla founder appears keen to use his clout to undermine Trump’s bill.
The clashes between the pair had calmed in recent weeks but Musk restarted the feud with a post on X on Monday that said those who campaigned on cutting spending but backed Trump’s bill “should hang their heads in shame.”
Musk also said he would form a new political party and work to oust in primaries any congressional Republicans who said they were for cutting government spending, but then voted in favor of the bill.
He has also criticized Trump’s subsidies for fossil fuel firms while electric vehicle (EV) subsidies are being cut.
But Trump hit back, saying that Musk knew long before he endorsed his presidential run that he was “strongly against the EV mandate” and that “electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.”
Trump took aim at subsidies Musk received without which he would have to “close up shop” and go back to South Africa.
Trump’s post also appeared to threaten Musk’s business interests in rocket launches, satellites and EV production, adding “perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this?”
Mark Shanahan, associate professor of political engagement at the University of Surrey, England, told Newsweek last month that Trump’s legacy rests on what he calls the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he hopes will define government economics long after he has left DC.
“Musk is now determined to undermine it, and will pick off Republican senators through threats, flattery and money to ensure it’s strangled at birth,” he said. “Trump will fight back with threats of withdrawing government contracts and subsidies. Neither man will back down. This will get messier.”
What People Are Saying
Elon Musk on X: “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! And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “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.”
He added: “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
Democratic influencer Harry Sisson on X: “Trump just attacked Elon Musk and suggested he should pack up shop and “head back home to South Africa.” The MAGA beef continues!”
Republicans Against Trump on X: “This is really bad news for Trump and the Republican Party. The last thing they need is Musk turning his influence against them.”
Moderate Republicans and hard-line conservatives in the House are expressing increasing opposition to the Senate’s version of the bill just days before the lower chamber is set to consider the piece of legislation with a deadline set for Friday, The Hill reported.
Newsweek