Elon Musk has fired back—though somewhat restrainedly—at former U.S. President Donald Trump following a provocative threat involving deportation and the withdrawal of government subsidies. Musk, responding on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.” His post was a reaction to Trump’s remarks suggesting that Musk might be deported to South Africa and lose access to the billions of dollars in federal subsidies his companies reportedly benefit from.
The tension between the two billionaires began escalating in recent months, especially after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” for its massive government spending. Musk, who had previously served in the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), resigned from the post and announced plans to support political challengers to lawmakers who backed the bill. Trump, in return, lashed out by calling Musk the largest recipient of government subsidies in history and questioned whether someone “born in South Africa” should receive such support, even hinting at reviewing his citizenship status.
Trump’s remarks have stirred controversy, not only because of their tone but also due to their potential implications for U.S. business and immigration policy. Suggesting the deportation of a high-profile figure like Musk—who is now a naturalized U.S. citizen and heads several major American companies—could set a dangerous precedent. In response, Musk hinted at forming a political movement and supporting candidates who oppose what he called reckless fiscal policy and authoritarian threats.
Despite the provocation, Musk has so far chosen not to retaliate directly. However, his post suggests he is closely weighing his next steps. In a surprising moment of balance, Musk even acknowledged Trump’s successful role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire, stating: “Credit where credit is due.” This gesture may be seen as a signal that Musk prefers to avoid personal escalation, even if policy disagreements remain stark.
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The fallout has already had financial ramifications. Tesla’s stock reportedly dropped by nearly 5% following Trump’s threats, indicating that political feuds of this magnitude can shake investor confidence. Meanwhile, Musk’s comments about possibly launching a new political party further add to the unpredictability of the situation, positioning him as both a tech entrepreneur and a potential political disruptor.
In the broader context, this confrontation highlights the volatile intersection of business, politics, and personal ego in America’s current political climate. Whether this war of words will evolve into actual policy consequences remains to be seen, but for now, Musk appears to be walking a fine line between defiance and diplomacy.
