WASHINGTON, D.C., July 1 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday took aim at Tesla CEO Elon Musk, claiming that Musk’s business empire would not survive without federal subsidies and suggesting that he would “probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa” if the government halted its support.
In a fiery statement posted to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated his opposition to the electric vehicle (EV) mandate, a policy he has long criticized as government overreach. While acknowledging that EVs have their place, Trump maintained that Americans should not be forced to purchase them.
“Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate. It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one,” Trump said.
The President further accused Musk of being overly reliant on taxpayer money, claiming, “Elon may get more subsidies than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production, and our country would save a fortune.”
Trump added that he has asked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a nod possibly intended as a satirical reference—to review the scale of government support Musk receives, declaring, “BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!”
The latest clash comes amid mounting tensions between the two high-profile figures. Musk recently issued a scathing critique of Trump’s legislative agenda, particularly the passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, a sweeping GOP-backed package that includes massive spending increases and a record $5 trillion expansion of the national debt ceiling.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote, “It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill… that we live in a one-party country — the PORKY PIG PARTY!! Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people.”
He continued, “How can you call yourself the Freedom Caucus if you vote for a DEBT SLAVERY bill with the biggest debt ceiling increase in history?” Musk warned that supporting such legislation could be “political suicide for the Republican Party.”
The feud between Trump and Musk has escalated in recent years, particularly after Musk left the Trump administration’s advisory councils in 2017, citing disagreements over climate policy. Since then, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has openly criticized Trump on several fronts, including calling for his impeachment and raising questions about alleged ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The exchange underscores the growing rift between two of the most influential figures in American politics and business, as the nation heads toward a highly charged election cycle and debates intensify over government spending, green energy, and corporate accountability. (ANI)
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