President Donald Trump’s claims of deporting Musk came after he said that Elon Musk need to “close up shop and move back to South Africa.”
A dramatic feud between former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk took a sharp turn this week, sparking headlines and sending Tesla shares tumbling. The war of words escalated when Trump hinted at the possibility of deporting Musk a comment that drew a pointed but restrained response from the Tesla CEO.
Trump Suggests Deportation While Taking Aim at SpaceX and Starlink
During a press interaction on Tuesday, Trump was asked whether he might consider deporting Musk in light of their ongoing tensions. His reply: “We’ll have to take a look.” This vague yet loaded statement stirred fresh controversy, especially as Trump went on to mention that the sizable federal contracts held by Musk’s companies SpaceX and Starlink could be reviewed as well.
Speaking later in Florida at the unveiling of a new migrant detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” Trump took a jab at Musk with an offbeat comment:
“We might have to put DOGE on Elon… DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon,” he quipped, invoking a metaphor drawn from the cryptocurrency world.
He later added, “I don’t think he should be playing that game with me.”
Musk Responds: “So Tempting… But I’ll Refrain”
Musk, who has been critical of Trump’s latest economic proposals, responded with a cryptic post on his platform X (formerly Twitter):
“So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”
While Musk’s comment didn’t directly challenge Trump’s threat, it underscored the tension and suggested he’s holding back for now. The statement, however measured, came as Tesla’s stock dropped nearly 5%, reflecting investor unease over the political noise surrounding Musk and his companies.
What Sparked the Feud?
The public spat dates back to early June, when Musk slammed Trump’s proposed spending bill nicknamed the “Big Big Beautiful Bill” as a “disgusting abomination.” Musk took particular issue with the bill’s impact on the federal deficit and the scaling back of electric vehicle (EV) tax credits, which he believes undermines American leadership in clean energy.
Since then, Musk has taken to X regularly to criticize the bill, accusing Trump and his allies of turning their backs on innovation in EVs and renewable energy.
Trump’s “Go Back” Remark Fuels Fire
On Monday, Trump ramped up the rhetoric, posting on Truth Social that Musk should consider shutting down his U.S. ventures and returning to South Africa.
“Elon may get more subsidies than any human being in history. Without them, he’d probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump wrote.
This comment triggered a wave of backlash online, with critics calling the statement xenophobic and unnecessary.
What’s Next?
As Trump’s bill continues its journey through Congress, all eyes remain on how Musk will navigate the political minefield and whether this billionaire-versus-politician feud will cool off or explode further. For now, Musk is choosing restraint. But as his own words suggest, escalation is always just a post away.
