Washington, July 1, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are locked in a high-profile political feud over Trump’s $4.5 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Musk, who formerly served as a presidential advisor and led the government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) until May, publicly criticized the bill for adding over $3 trillion to the national debt and cutting healthcare for millions. As the Senate began voting, Musk slammed Republicans for supporting what he called "debt slavery."
In response, Trump threatened to eliminate all government subsidies to Musk’s companies—including Tesla and SpaceX—and implied that without federal support, Musk would have to “close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
Musk replied directly on X: “CUT IT ALL. Now.” He also renewed calls for forming a new political party.
Trump doubled down, saying DOGE should investigate Musk’s businesses, adding, “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”
The feud highlights a deepening rift inside the Republican Party as some lawmakers distance themselves from Trump’s bill ahead of the 2026 midterms.