The ongoing clash between two of the most influential figures in the world, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, has reignited this week, as both former allies exchanged sharp threats and public accusations. This escalation centers around Musk's vehement opposition to Trump’s substantial tax legislation currently making its way through Congress, marking a significant shift away from their previously cordial relations.

In a series of provocative posts on his social media platform, X, Musk has openly criticized the tax bill, labeling it as “insane.” He even went so far as to declare that he would consider forming a new political party should the bill pass. Trump, responding to Musk’s vehement comments, suggested that he might “look into” deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa, and hinted at the possibility of cutting government subsidies that benefit Musk’s various enterprises. Trump also mentioned a fictitious “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge) that could potentially turn against Musk, quipping, “Doge is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible?”

The friction between Musk and Trump had already started to surface last month, primarily due to Musk’s vocal criticism of the tax bill, which threatens to undermine significant cuts to the federal government enacted through Doge. Musk has argued that the proposed legislation could lead to an enormous increase in the national debt, which he believes could jeopardize his aspirations of reaching Mars. As a prominent donor within the Republican Party, Musk's attempts to thwart the tax bill serve as a litmus test for his political influence, as he aims to sway votes away from it while further straining his once-close rapport with Trump.

In recent days, Musk has ramped up his campaign against the tax bill, even threatening to create an “America Party” to target lawmakers who support the legislation during the upcoming 2026 primary elections. He stated emphatically, “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! They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”

Trump, on his part, has dismissed Musk’s criticisms, suggesting that the billionaire’s discontent stems from the bill’s elimination of a tax credit for consumers purchasing electric vehicles. He remarked, “Elon’s very upset that the EV mandate is gonna be terminated. Not everybody wants an electric car. I don’t want an electric car.” When a reporter probed whether he was contemplating deporting Musk, Trump stated that he was uncertain but would “take a look.” Musk, in a snarky reply to Trump’s comments on social media, hinted at escalating the feud, stating, “so tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.” Notably, Trump purchased a Tesla in March, indicating a complex relationship with Musk’s enterprises.

Trump's recent comments represent a dramatic shift from earlier this year when he proudly showcased Tesla vehicles on the White House lawn, encouraging his supporters to buy electric cars and personally sitting in a red Model S sedan. In stark contrast, this week he threatened to dismantle Musk’s businesses, suggesting that the entrepreneur might be more reliant on government subsidies than any other individual in history. Trump claimed, “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”

Musk’s businesses are deeply intertwined with governmental contracts, particularly with his company SpaceX, which has secured billions of dollars from the government and is essential for various space exploration and satellite communication initiatives. Moreover, SpaceX is currently in consideration for a role in a new multi-billion dollar missile defense program. The delicate relationship between Musk and government entities makes any political discord particularly precarious for his business interests. Indeed, Tesla’s stock price faced declines on both Monday and Tuesday amid the ongoing public feud.