International News: The ongoing feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken a dramatic turn, escalating from online jabs to open threats. In a fiery post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump warned Musk that without government subsidies, he may be forced to shut down his businesses and return to South Africa.
This confrontation comes at a politically charged moment, with the 2024 U.S. presidential elections drawing near and growing speculation that Elon Musk may consider launching a new political party. What began as a policy disagreement has now evolved into a high-stakes clash between two of the most influential figures in American politics and technology.
Trump's Direct Warning: “Musk May Have to Go Home”
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Elon Musk has received more subsidies than anyone in history. Without them, Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink wouldn’t exist. He’d have to shut it all down and go back to South Africa.”
Trump went further, threatening to deploy the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) against Musk to review and potentially cut the billions in federal subsidies received by his companies.
“DOGE should be put to work here. The money Musk receives is taxpayer money. If we cut that off, rockets won’t fly, satellites won’t launch, and fancy electric cars won’t roll off the assembly line. And we might just save the country while we’re at it.”
The Trigger: Musk Slams Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
This war of words was triggered by Elon Musk's public criticism of the Big Beautiful Bill, a legislative initiative backed by Trump and seen as a cornerstone of his political comeback. Musk called the bill “suicidal” for the Republican Party and suggested it would alienate moderate and independent voters.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk ran a poll asking users if they supported the bill. Over 50% of respondents sided with Musk. In the same thread, Musk referred to the Republican Party as a “swine party,” a term that has since sparked outrage within GOP ranks.
Musk’s Political Move: Hints at Forming a New Party
Fueling the political fire, Musk suggested that he might support or even form a new political party if the GOP continues down what he described as a “regressive path.”
“If Trump’s Republicans continue to push bills like this, the country will need a new, rational, science-driven, economically sound political alternative,” Musk said.
While no formal announcement has been made, his statements have already triggered speculation of a new centrist or libertarian-leaning party backed by tech leaders and younger voters disillusioned with both major U.S. parties.
Polls show that this bill is political suicide for the Republican Party pic.twitter.com/HJwKZ9g4tu
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 28, 2025Subsidy Controversy: The Financial Backbone of Musk’s Empire
The heart of Trump’s criticism lies in Musk’s extensive reliance on government support. Tesla, SpaceX, and other Musk-owned ventures have received billions in tax breaks, green energy credits, production incentives, and federal contracts over the years.
Critics argue that while Musk champions free enterprise, his companies have benefitted massively from government aid. Trump is leveraging this contradiction to position himself as a watchdog of public funds and a nationalist voice against corporate overreach.
The veiled threat is clear: if Trump returns to the White House, he may target these subsidies, thereby directly threatening the financial foundation of Musk's empire.
Expert View: A Battle Between Two Ideologies
Political analysts view this conflict as a clash of ideologies. On one side is Musk's techno-libertarian vision, favoring innovation, deregulation, and private enterprise. On the other is Trump’s populist-nationalist doctrine, emphasizing control, protectionism, and loyalty.
The feud is not just a celebrity spat—it may influence how tech policy, federal spending, and political discourse evolve in a rapidly changing America. If Musk launches a third party, it could siphon off key voter blocs, disrupt the 2024 elections, and shift the political landscape for years to come.
All eyes on Elon Musk
What started as a disagreement over policy has escalated into a power struggle with far-reaching consequences. As Trump threatens Musk’s business with subsidy cuts and Musk hints at a political revolution, the American public finds itself watching a real-time battle between capital, influence, and ideology.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on whether Elon Musk follows through on his political ambitions and how far Donald Trump is willing to go to maintain dominance over the Republican narrative—and the nation's economy.
