The Feud Rekindled: From Political Allies to Public Enemies
The once-strategic relationship between former President Donald Trump and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has unraveled dramatically in recent days, as the two titans clashed over Trump’s signature tax and spending bill. The blowout marks a new low in what was already a fragile alliance, complete with threats of deportation, political sabotage, and billions in subsidies hanging in the balance.
Their latest clash — playing out across cable news, political rallies, and Musk’s social media platform X — comes at a critical moment for Trump’s legislative agenda. The former president’s controversial bill, which includes massive spending on deportation infrastructure and cuts to clean energy tax credits, has passed the Senate by a razor-thin margin and is now racing through the House.
Their latest clash — playing out across cable news, political rallies, and Musk’s social media platform X — comes at a critical moment for Trump’s legislative agenda. The former president’s controversial bill, which includes massive spending on deportation infrastructure and cuts to clean energy tax credits, has passed the Senate by a razor-thin margin and is now racing through the House.
What Sparked the Firestorm?
Musk, who had recently tried to reinsert himself into the Republican political fold, denounced Trump’s bill on X, calling it:
“Insane… the largest debt bomb in U.S. history.”
He warned that the legislation would reverse years of work by his “efficiency reforms” within the federal government — namely Trump’s own Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). More notably, he threatened to launch a new political party, the “America Party,” and primary Republican lawmakers who vote in favor of the legislation.
“Every member of Congress who campaigned on cutting spending and just voted to raise the debt by trillions will be held accountable,” Musk posted. “If it’s the last thing I do, they’ll lose their primaries.”
The tension appears to stem from Musk’s objection to the repeal of EV tax credits, a key financial driver for Tesla sales — though Musk insists his stance is about fiscal responsibility and “saving America from economic collapse.”
Trump Hits Back: “Elon Should Go Back to South Africa”
Trump wasted no time retaliating.
In comments to reporters, the former president mocked Musk, accusing him of hypocrisy and claiming his real gripe was losing government support for electric vehicles.
“Elon’s upset because the EV mandate is being terminated,” Trump said. “I don’t want an electric car. Most Americans don’t want one either.”
Then came the bombshell.
When asked if he would consider deporting Musk — who was born in South Africa — Trump replied:
“We’ll take a look.”
He went further on his social media platform Truth Social, calling Musk the “most subsidized human being in history,” and hinting at potentially pulling federal contracts from SpaceX and Tesla:
“Without subsidies, Elon would have to shut down and head back to South Africa. No more rocket launches, no more satellites, no more electric cars. Our country would save a fortune.”
From White House Showcases to Political Threats
The feud represents a complete 180 from just a few months ago, when Trump hosted a Tesla showcase on the White House lawn and posed for cameras inside a Model S.
At that time, Trump had even endorsed Musk’s companies publicly, urging supporters to “buy American and buy Tesla.” But now, in the heat of legislative warfare, Trump has turned his fire on Musk, accusing him of disloyalty and betrayal.
“Doge is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon,” Trump quipped, referring to his government efficiency office, whose name riffs off Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency.
A Risky War: What’s at Stake for Musk
Musk’s fight with Trump may be more than political theater — it could carry real financial consequences.
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SpaceX is deeply intertwined with NASA and the Department of Defense, holding billions in government contracts, including one for the new U.S. missile defense system.
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Tesla’s market valuation has already taken a hit, with shares dropping over 5% in two days, as investors worry about potential retaliation.
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Musk’s influence within the Republican Party, though substantial, may not be enough to derail Trump’s plans — especially with the bill’s momentum in Congress.
But Musk seems ready to take the gamble. Responding to Trump’s deportation jab, Musk cryptically posted:
“So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain — for now.”
Still, behind the scenes, sources suggest Musk is actively working to whip votes against the bill, and may invest in campaigns to unseat Republican supporters in the 2026 primaries.
Republicans Caught in the Crossfire
The Trump–Musk feud puts many Republicans in an awkward position — especially those who count on both men’s support and money.
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Some moderates, already uneasy with the bill’s size and scope, may now face primary threats from Musk’s America Party candidates.
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GOP donors who admire Musk’s business acumen may rethink their allegiances if Trump goes forward with economic retaliation against him.
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The energy and defense sectors are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with several defense contractors lobbying against disrupting SpaceX’s role in critical military programs.
What Happens Next?
As the bill moves to the House, Trump is aiming for final passage by July 4, eager to notch a legislative win on Independence Day.
Musk, meanwhile, is likely to ramp up public pressure and possibly hold an “America Party” launch rally as early as August, according to insiders. Whether this is political bluster or the start of a third-party movement could depend on the outcome of this legislative clash.
One thing is certain: The relationship between the mogul and the ex-president has entered a new phase — not of alliance, but of open warfare.
Two Egos, One Explosive Collision
What began as a marriage of convenience — tech giant meets populist president — has now devolved into a public power struggle that could reshape American politics and tech policy.
If Trump goes through with his threats to gut Musk’s subsidies and contract pipeline, it may send shockwaves through not only the Republican Party but the U.S. space and energy sectors.
And if Musk follows through on launching a new political party and using his billions to take down Trump-aligned Republicans, the 2026 elections may turn into a proxy war between America’s richest man and its most polarizing leader.
