Tensions have escalated between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk over a controversial government spending package, the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Trump has now taken a direct shot at his former advisor, threatening to stop federal support for Musk’s companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

During a post on Truth Social, Trump said Musk would “probably have to close up shop and head back home” if the government cut off subsidies given to him. Musk, who was born in South Africa, has received billions in federal support over the years.

In a quick response on X (formerly Twitter), Musk challenged Trump to go ahead with the threat.
 “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now,” the SpaceX founder posted.

The two have been at odds ever since Musk stepped down in May from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a post he held under Trump. Their disagreement grew louder last month, when Musk openly criticized the One Big Beautiful Bill.

As the Senate began voting on the bill Monday, Musk once again voiced his disagreement and pushed for the creation of a new political party.

Trump also took aim at Musk’s resistance to the bill’s electric vehicle (EV) policy.

“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 wrote.

He went on to claim Musk has received more financial help from the U.S. government than “any human being in history.”

“Elon may get more subsidy 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,” Trump said.

Trump didn’t stop there. He even hinted that DOGE, the efficiency department Musk once led, should now investigate Musk’s own businesses.

“No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED,” Trump added.

Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill aims to extend his tax cuts from the first term, costing the U.S. $4.5 trillion, and includes plans to tighten border security. But many Republicans are unsure about the proposal, especially since it could remove healthcare access for millions of low-income Americans and add over $3 trillion to the national debt.

Musk didn’t hold back as lawmakers started voting on the bill. He accused the Republican Party of making the country financially weaker.

“All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” Musk wrote on Tuesday. “What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”


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