Trump Tells Musk to ‘Head Back to South Africa’ as Feud Over Spending Bill Escalates; Musk Dares Him to Cut Subsidies
A public feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk erupted this week as the Senate prepared to vote on Trump’s signature legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The $4.5 trillion package, which would extend Trump’s tax cuts and bolster border security, has drawn fierce criticism from Musk, who accused Republicans of pushing the country into “debt slavery.”
Trump, in response, attacked his former presidential advisor in a Truth Social post, threatening to eliminate federal subsidies supporting Musk’s companies. “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history,” Trump wrote. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
Musk, who previously led the government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) before resigning in May, fired back almost immediately. “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now,” Musk posted on X, daring Trump to follow through and end all subsidies.
The clash marks a dramatic breakdown in the once-close relationship between the two high-profile figures. Musk had been a vocal supporter of Trump and a key player in his administration’s tech policy efforts. But their relationship soured last month after Musk publicly denounced the new spending bill, citing concerns over national debt and excessive government intervention.
Trump doubled down on his attacks Monday, questioning Musk’s business model and calling for a formal review by DOGE into Tesla, SpaceX, and other Musk-led enterprises. “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE,” he said.
Musk, the world’s richest man, has responded with calls for the creation of a new political party that he says would “prioritize fiscal sanity.” He reiterated his opposition to the bill Tuesday, writing: “What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
With Senate Republicans divided over the legislation and the Musk-Trump feud dominating headlines, the future of the bill—and Trump’s political legacy—remains uncertain.
