Donald Trump Threatens Elon Musk: ‘Without Subsidies, He Should Return to South Africa’

In a recent public clash, two former close allies, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, find themselves at odds. On Monday night (June 30, 2025), the U.S. president proposed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) consider cutting subsidies for Tesla’s billionaire founder to save government funds. In a post on Truth Social, Trump didn’t hesitate to suggest that without such subsidies, Musk might have to shut down his operations and return to South Africa. ‘Elon is by far receiving the most subsidies of any human in history, and without them, he may need to close shop and go back home to South Africa,’ Trump wrote. ‘No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production, and our country will save a fortune. Should DOGE take a hard look at this? A lot of money will be saved!’