The simmering feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has reignited, with the US president suggesting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a cost-cutting agency once led by Musk — could be deployed against the billionaire’s businesses.
“Elon may be the biggest recipient of government subsidies in history,” Trump posted on his social media platform. “Maybe DOGE should take a very close look at that? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
Musk hit back bluntly: “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now.”
The clash comes as Congress debates Trump’s controversial budget plan, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill.” The legislation calls for higher spending on border security, defense, and energy production, offset by cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs. While Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, resistance from some within the party has slowed progress.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has repeatedly criticized the bill, warning it could recklessly add $3.3 trillion to the national debt. In a flurry of posts on X during the vote, he shared a chart of rising US debt levels with the caption: “When are they going to flatten this curve?” He also condemned lawmakers supporting the bill: “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing spending and then voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!”
The spat between Trump and Musk began last month when Musk publicly blasted parts of the budget before later softening his tone. But tensions resurfaced after Trump accused Musk of opposing the bill because it would eliminate federal incentives for electric vehicles — a key market for Tesla.
“He’s upset about losing his EV mandate. He could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you,” Trump told reporters Tuesday. “Doge is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. He gets a lot of subsidies.”
Musk, however, maintains his opposition is rooted in a broader desire to rein in government spending. In response to Trump’s comments, he shared a past interview clip where he argued Tesla’s competitiveness would actually improve without EV subsidies.
The tech mogul has even hinted at funding primary challenges against Republicans who support the bill and floated the idea of forming a new political party to take on both Democrats and Republicans.
Once close allies, Trump and Musk’s relationship now appears to have unraveled entirely, with both men trading barbs over policy and power.
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