The long-simmering feud between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has flared up once more, with Trump suggesting he might consider deporting the Tesla and SpaceX CEO following Musk’s fiery criticism of a new government spending package. The clash reignited after Musk took to his social media platform, X, over the weekend to lambast the president and Republican lawmakers for passing what he dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he claims balloons the US debt ceiling by an unprecedented S$6.8 trillion (US$5 trillion).
On Monday, Musk accused Republicans of betraying their principles with the massive spending plan, referring to them as the “Porky Pig Party” for inserting what he called “pork” — a political term for spending on lawmakers’ pet projects — into the bill. His posts went viral, with memes and critical comments flooding social media, fueling outrage among both his supporters and critics of the president’s economic policies.
When pressed by reporters on Tuesday morning in Washington, Trump responded sharply, stating that his administration would “have to take a look” at Musk’s citizenship status. The president added, “We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” referencing the Department of Government Efficiency — an agency Musk himself once helped establish while serving briefly as a government advisor.
Musk Fires Back While Trump Threatens Government Contracts
Musk, who was born in South Africa and later naturalised as a US citizen, appeared unfazed but hinted at potential escalation. “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now,” he posted, sparking speculation among political observers about what moves the outspoken billionaire might make next.
The dispute quickly became a trending topic, with many drawing attention to Musk’s influence over high-value government contracts. Just last year, Musk’s companies secured billions in federal deals related to electric vehicle production and space exploration — key sectors tied directly to the bill’s proposed cuts and changes. Trump’s allies have suggested the president could leverage these contracts to pressure Musk into silence or compliance.
As Trump toured Florida later on Tuesday, he doubled down on his criticism, suggesting that if the Department of Government Efficiency reviewed Musk’s dealings, it could save American taxpayers significant sums. “If DOGE looks at Musk, we’re going to save a fortune,” Trump remarked, signalling his intent to scrutinise the billionaire’s business ties to the federal government.
Threats to Primary Republicans Add Fuel to Political Firestorm
Fueling the tension further, Musk vowed on Monday to fund primary challenges against any Republican lawmakers who supported the spending bill. “If it’s the last thing I do on this Earth, I’ll make sure they pay for this betrayal,” he posted on X, tapping into rising anger among conservative voters worried about runaway government spending and the national debt crisis.
Trump, in return, claimed Musk’s outburst stemmed from disappointment over the bill’s removal of the electric vehicle mandate — a policy shift that could hit Tesla’s business hard. The president warned Musk he “better be careful” or risk losing more than just favourable policies, hinting at potential consequences beyond politics.
Their latest war of words ended a brief two-and-a-half-week truce. Just weeks earlier, Musk had called Trump directly to apologise for aggressive posts, reportedly expressing “regret” for some remarks he made about the president. But Musk reignited tensions by accusing Trump of ingratitude, saying, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” referencing the over S$370 million (US$270 million) he spent supporting Trump and GOP candidates during the 2024 campaign.
Tensions Show Little Sign of Easing
Analysts now warn that the clash could have broader implications, not only for Musk’s businesses but also for Trump’s political capital within the Republican Party. By attacking a powerful billionaire ally, Trump risks alienating key donors while also emboldening critics within his own ranks who oppose his spending proposals.
Meanwhile, Musk continued to rally his followers online, reposting memes and commentary accusing the bill of reckless spending that would add unnecessary debt. His posts drew tens of millions of views, cementing his role as one of the most influential voices challenging the administration’s fiscal plans.
As both men dig in, the potential fallout could reshape debates over electric vehicle incentives, US debt ceiling negotiations, and the delicate relationship between corporate titans and the federal government. Whether Musk and Trump can repair their fractured relationship — or whether this feud will escalate further — remains to be seen.