U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Elon Musk on Tuesday, accusing the billionaire of benefiting from record-breaking government subsidies, after Musk renewed criticism of Trump’s massive spending bill.
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history,” Trump posted on social media. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
The clash follows a public falling out last month between the two, despite Musk having worked with Trump during the presidential campaign and briefly heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he resigned from in late May.
Trump hinted DOGE should now investigate Musk’s companies: “No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production, and our country would save a fortune,” he wrote.
The president is pushing his so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a $4.5 trillion package that would extend his tax cuts and boost border security, but faces internal Republican resistance. Critics warn the bill would strip healthcare from millions and add over $3 trillion to the national debt.
As the House began voting Monday, Musk slammed the proposal as “debt slavery” and called for a new political party. “All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” he said. “What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
Musk claims 80% of his followers support forming a third party: “Vox populi, vox Dei,” he posted.