Trump Threatens Musk With Deportation Over Spending Bill Criticism

Tensions between President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk escalated this week, marking a new phase in their ongoing public feud. The conflict began when Trump, during a press conference at the White House, warned Musk that he risked losing more than just government subsidies. Trump's remarks came in response to Musk's vocal criticism of the president's "One Big Beautiful Bill," a comprehensive spending package that has faced opposition from various quarters.

Trump's threats extended beyond financial repercussions, as he hinted at the possibility of deporting Musk, who has been a U.S. citizen since 2002. This dramatic escalation occurred as Trump visited a new migrant detention center in Florida, where he was asked about the potential deportation of Musk. Trump's response was sharp and direct, indicating a willingness to take aggressive action against Musk. "We'll have to take a look," Trump stated, adding that he might consider deporting Musk. He also suggested that the government could revoke the substantial contracts and subsidies that Musk's SpaceX and Starlink businesses receive from the U.S. government.

Musk, in turn, responded to Trump's threats with a mix of defiance and restraint. On his social media platform, X, Musk posted a message that hinted at escalating the conflict but ultimately decided to refrain from further action. "So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now," Musk wrote, indicating a strategic decision to avoid immediate confrontation.

The feud between Trump and Musk has deepened over the past few weeks, with both figures trading barbs and threats. Trump's initial comments on Monday suggested that Musk's criticism of the spending bill was motivated by frustration over the removal of measures supporting the electric vehicle (EV) industry. "Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa," Trump stated on his Truth Social network. This remark underscored the economic stakes involved in their dispute, as Musk's businesses rely heavily on government support.

The relationship between Trump and Musk had been relatively amicable in the past, with Musk serving as one of Trump's biggest political donors during the 2024 election. However, their alliance began to fray in May when Musk publicly criticized the spending bill and subsequently left the government. Musk's recent return to the public sphere has been marked by a series of critical posts on X, where he has accused Republicans of abandoning efforts to place the United States at the forefront of the EV and clean energy revolution.

Musk's criticisms have focused on the potential impact of the spending bill on the U.S. deficit, which he argues could lead to "debt slavery." He has also pledged to fund challengers against Republican lawmakers who vote for the bill, despite campaigning on reduced federal spending. This move could have significant implications for the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, as Musk's financial backing could sway the outcomes in key races.

Elon Musk's companies—including Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—have always been tied to government partnerships, credits, and policies. SpaceX gets billions in contracts from NASA and the Pentagon. Starlink’s satellite internet services depend on regulatory green lights. Tesla still pulls in money from energy credits and federal EV programs. Losing those would put serious pressure on Elon’s business.

Musk reignited his attacks on the tax bill, criticizing both the spending and the cuts to green energy support. "Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people," he wrote on X. Musk says he’s ready to fund primary challengers against anyone who backs the legislation. He also shared a screenshot of Trump’s post and captioned it: “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now.” That included his own subsidies. He doubled down on the idea that the government shouldn’t be handing out money, period. But that doesn’t seem to have softened Trump’s stance. The president seems determined to use DOGE to dig into everything Musk touches.

The bill at the center of all this is one of Trump’s major priorities. It’s expected to slash federal support for EVs and green energy while increasing the deficit under current estimates. Musk’s not just mad about the money. He thinks the bill is bad economics and bad policy. And unlike most billionaires, he’s going public about it.

Back in 2024, Musk had joined Trump on the campaign trail. Now, less than a year later, he’s breaking ranks and threatening to reshape the political map. Between the online fights, stock crashes, and threats from the White House, this feud is no longer just about policy differences. It’s about two powerful men using every tool they’ve got to punish each other in real time.