U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his public feud with Elon Musk, accusing the tech billionaire of benefiting from historic levels of government subsidies while opposing the administration’s massive new spending bill.
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far,” Trump posted on social media Tuesday. “And without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
The remarks come as Musk doubled down on his criticism of Trump’s $4.5 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which seeks to extend tax cuts from Trump’s first term and ramp up border security. The bill has drawn sharp opposition for its cost, with projections it would add over $3 trillion to the national debt and cut healthcare access for millions of low-income Americans.
Musk, who recently quit as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), took to social media as lawmakers began voting, calling out Republicans for supporting what he termed “debt slavery.”
“All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” Musk wrote. “What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
In a fiery rebuttal, Trump hinted that DOGE should investigate Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla.
“No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE,” he wrote. “Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
The escalating feud comes as Musk pushes for the creation of a new political party aimed at holding lawmakers accountable for abandoning fiscal conservatism.
“VOX POPULI VOX DEI — 80% voted for a new party,” Musk declared.
While Trump is seeking to secure his legacy with the sweeping bill, the internal rift among Republicans signals growing tension ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
