Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has attacked billionaire Elon Musk, his former advisor, and threatened to reduce government subsidies given to Musk’s businesses during a contentious debate over his centrepiece spending measure, the “One Big Beautiful Bill”. Musk, who chaired the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) until May and was a Trump presidential advisor, publicly argued with the president last month over the plan.
Trump delivered a scathing criticism, threatening that the South African tech tycoon could have to “shut down shop and go back home” if his administration withdrew subsidies given to Musk’s businesses, which include SpaceX and Tesla. Musk didn’t take long to reply. He retaliated on X (previously Twitter): “I literally mean to say, stop everything right now.” Just before the Senate met to vote on the bill earlier today, Musk reaffirmed his proposal to create a new political party and intensified his criticism. Elon Musk
Trump lashes out at Musk for standing against the bill.
Trump attacked Musk for his opposition to the measure, claiming that he wouldn’t be able to continue operating in the United States without government backing. Trump posted the following on his Truth Social platform: Long before he openly supported me for president, Elon Musk was aware of my categorical opposition to EV requirements. It’s absurd and has consistently been a key component of my campaign. While electric vehicles are good, no one should be compelled to purchase one. Elon Musk
He continued by saying:
More subsidies have likely been given to Elon than to any other person in history. He would probably have to close his business and go back to South Africa without such incentives. Trump even recommended that DOGE, the agency that Musk oversaw until he resigned in late May, closely monitor Musk’s commercial endeavours. “Our nation would save a great deal of money if there were no more rocket launches, satellites, or EV production. Perhaps DOGE should closely monitor all of these. Trump said that a significant amount of taxpayer money might be saved.
Describe the bill.
With the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a massive $5 trillion package that aims to strengthen border security and extend his previous tax cuts, Trump hopes to solidify his legacy. But the law has caused a great deal of division among Republicans, particularly those who are watching the 2026 midterm elections. Elon Musk
Opponents contend that the bill would increase the national debt by more than a trillion dollars and deny millions of low-income Americans access to healthcare. Musk, the richest person in the world, charged Republicans with supporting “debt slavery” as legislators started voting on the plan Monday. Musk issued a social media warning on Tuesday: I’m just saying, let’s not let America go bankrupt. What use does a debt ceiling serve if we continue to increase the debt?