A political bromance that once symbolized the unifying force of conservative tech optimism appears to be unraveling—and spectacularly so. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly clashed with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, even suggesting the South African-born billionaire may face deportation over his opposition to the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
What began as a cooperative relationship—bolstered by Musk’s appointment to lead the satirical Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has now deteriorated into a public feud, with threats, insults, and political sabotage flying in both directions.
From “Great Guy” to Deportation Target
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before departing for a visit to an immigration detention center in Florida, Trump was asked whether Musk’s public opposition to his flagship economic bill could have legal consequences.
“He’s gotten more subsidy than any human being in history,” Trump said. “If we didn’t support him, he’d probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
While it’s unclear whether Trump has any legal authority to deport Musk—who became a U.S. citizen in 2002—the threat underscores the deepening rift between the former allies.
What Sparked the Fallout?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now under debate in the Senate, proposes sweeping spending cuts and subsidy eliminations—particularly targeting electric vehicle tax credits, which directly affect Musk’s Tesla business. While Trump has pitched the bill as “fiscally responsible,” critics like Musk say it’s anything but.
“This insane spending bill increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS. We live in a one-party country — the PORKY PIG PARTY,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter), referring to the GOP under Trump.
He even promised to personally fund primary challengers against Republican lawmakers who back the bill:
“Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! And they will lose their primary next year if it’s the last thing I do on this Earth.”
Trump’s Counterattack
While Trump initially downplayed tensions—calling Musk “a great guy” as recently as June 30—his tone shifted swiftly. On Tuesday, he claimed Musk was only lashing out because of personal financial interests.
“He’s just angry that we’re cutting EV subsidies. That’s it. This is about his money, not the country,” Trump said.
The president is reportedly also fuming over Musk’s deleted social media post implying Trump’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as Musk’s boastful claims of influencing Trump’s 2024 re-election victory and later supporting impeachment efforts.
Is a New Party on the Horizon?
The feud may be more than personal—it could be politically transformative. Musk, already disillusioned with both Democrats and Republicans, has teased launching a new political party.
“Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people… If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,” Musk declared.
He has since called the Republican Party “a one-party system disguised as choice” and labeled it a “PORKY PIG PARTY,” a phrase that’s quickly trended on social media.
What’s Next?
Though Trump has made clear he won’t back down, insiders say the situation is being closely watched by MAGA-aligned strategists. One aide told Politico that Trump may consider using legal or bureaucratic levers, including those once devised by DOGE under Musk’s leadership, to sideline or punish the tech mogul politically and financially.
As the One Big Beautiful Bill Act moves through Congress, all eyes are now on whether Trump will double down on his threats—or whether the Musk-Trump split will reshape the conservative landscape heading into the 2026 midterms.
