Trump says deporting Musk might be on the table, and Musk responds with an ominous threat to escalate the situation
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would consider whether Elon Musk could be deported, as tensions between the two high-profile figures reignite over the administration’s sprawling tax-and-spending bill.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump was asked about his ongoing dispute with Musk, who has emerged as one of the bill’s loudest critics.
“I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look,” Trump responded when asked whether the South African-born billionaire—now a U.S. citizen—could be removed from the country.
The latest comments mark a new escalation in a political spat that began after Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, publicly rejected Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” bill, which seeks to overhaul federal spending and eliminate consumer tax credits for electric vehicles.
Trump, referencing Musk’s previous role in his administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, suggested that “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible?”
“He gets a lot of subsidies, but Elon is very upset that the EV mandate is going to be terminated,” Trump added, implying that Musk’s opposition stems from business interests tied to government support.
In response, Musk fired back with a post on X (formerly Twitter): “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”
So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 1, 2025
Their feud, which began to simmer last month, intensified after Trump accused Musk of having “gone crazy” over the proposed end of the EV mandate. Musk, in turn, stirred controversy by implying that Trump’s name appears in the so-called “Epstein files,” referencing documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—though Musk has offered no evidence to support the claim.
As the bill continues to move through the Senate, Musk has ramped up his attacks, warning that the federal measure would raise the U.S. deficit by an estimated $3.3 trillion. He has even floated the idea of launching a third political party—the America Party—should the legislation pass.
In a Truth Social post published late Tuesday, Trump appeared to take another shot at Musk, writing: “Without U.S. subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
Note to our readers: All quotes have been preserved exactly as stated to maintain journalistic accuracy. This report is based on public comments, verified statements, and official platforms.
