In an escalating political and personal feud, former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a sharp jab at billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, suggesting that without federal support, Musk may be forced to “head back to South Africa.” The confrontation came amid a heated national debate surrounding Trump's much-criticized spending proposal, the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Musk, Former Government Advisor, Publicly Splits With Trump Over ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

Elon Musk, who served as an advisor and led the Trump-era “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) until May, had already distanced himself from the bill. The fallout began last month when Musk criticized the proposed legislation, triggering a barrage of social media attacks from Trump. The rift deepened as the bill approached a critical vote in the U.S. Senate.

Trump Says Musk Would Struggle Without U.S. Subsidies, Hints At Targeting Tesla and SpaceX

In an aggressive Truth Social post, Trump claimed Musk’s companies—such as Tesla and SpaceX—owe their success to generous government subsidies. Trump wrote, “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.” He went further, suggesting a potential review of Musk’s business empire by DOGE, hinting that cutting support could save the country billions.

Musk Fires Back With Defiance: “Cut It All – I Dare You”

Elon Musk didn’t take Trump’s threat lying down. Responding on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Musk openly dared the government to withdraw all federal subsidies. “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now,” he posted, positioning himself as an advocate for fiscal responsibility while challenging Trump’s claims. The bold reply reignited discussions about the role of public funding in private enterprise.

Political and Economic Tensions Rise As Senate Debates Trump’s Expensive Legislative Proposal

The feud coincided with a contentious Senate session debating Trump’s .5 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill aims to extend Trump-era tax cuts and increase border security, but critics argue it will increase the national debt by over trillion while slashing healthcare support for low-income Americans. Musk, joining a chorus of concerned voices, condemned the bill’s fiscal irresponsibility.

Trump Accuses Musk of Hypocrisy Over Electric Vehicles and EV Mandate Opposition

Trump accused Musk of flip-flopping on political support. Despite Musk having previously endorsed Trump, the former president reminded followers that he had always opposed federal mandates on electric vehicles. “Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one,” he said, attempting to frame Musk as someone who benefited from policies he now opposes.

DOGE, Once Led By Musk, May Now Investigate His Companies Under Trump’s Direction

In a surprising twist, Trump proposed that the Department of Government Efficiency—once led by Musk himself—should now evaluate SpaceX, Tesla, and other ventures for wasteful spending. “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production,” Trump posted, hinting at a potential audit. The statement signals an intent to weaponize bureaucratic oversight against a former ally turned critic.

Musk Warns Against National Debt Spiral, Calls Republicans Supporters of ‘Debt Slavery’

As the vote loomed, Musk ramped up his attacks, accusing the Republican leadership of steering the nation toward economic collapse. “All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” Musk wrote. He questioned the logic of continually raising the debt ceiling, arguing that it undermines the country’s financial future and forces unsustainable fiscal dependence.

 A Billionaire's Political Rebellion Marks a New Era in GOP Power Struggles

The Musk-Trump feud is more than a celebrity spat—it marks a shifting power dynamic within the conservative movement. With Musk hinting at the formation of a new political party and openly rebelling against a former president’s flagship legislation, the battle lines for the 2026 elections and beyond are being redrawn. Whether Trump’s threats or Musk’s defiance will shape the Republican future remains to be seen.