U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of deporting Elon Musk, his former close ally, following contentious remarks from the billionaire regarding a budget bill currently under discussion in Congress. In a new twist to the ongoing tension between Trump and Musk, the former president mentioned earlier that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk briefly led for four months, could potentially cut subsidies to his businesses.
When asked by a reporter whether he would consider deporting Musk, a key former supporter born in South Africa, Trump replied that it was an option worth examining. ‘We could unleash DOGE on Musk. You know what DOGE is? It’s the monster that could turn on him and bite him,’ Trump continued. The DOGE, tasked with cutting federal spending—often abruptly and aggressively—could become a tool against Musk’s companies.
Musk, who stepped down from the government to focus on his businesses, particularly Tesla, criticized Trump’s financial bill, claiming it would raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion. Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social: ‘Elon likely receives by far the most subsidies of any human in history, and without them, he might have to shut shop and go back home to South Africa.’
In response, Musk warned that if the bill passes, he will launch a new political party and fund primary challengers within the Republican Party against sitting senators and representatives.