Trump Threatens to Deport Elon Musk Amid Feud Over Spending Bill

 President Donald Trump intensified his public feud with Elon Musk on Tuesday, vowing to “take a look” at the idea of deporting the Tesla and SpaceX CEO—despite Musk being a naturalized U.S. citizen—after Musk sharply criticized Trump’s flagship “One Big, Beautiful Bill” spending package.

We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” Trump told reporters, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency—an agency Musk had advised—suggesting it might investigate Musk’s extensive federal subsidies.

Trump claimed Musk was primarily upset about the removal of a key electric vehicle subsidy in the bill, warning the billionaire could “lose a lot more than that”—including government contracts and tax credits.

Meanwhile, Musk retorted on X that it was “so tempting to escalate,” but he would hold off for now.

Reuters notes the move could imperil billions in Musk’s government-funded contracts and subsidies tied to Tesla and SpaceX. Musk gained U.S. citizenship in 2002, which would make deportation legally very difficult—a high-stakes and symbolic threat.

Republican allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, have also called for investigating Musk’s immigration status, escalating pressure. Market impact: Tesla stock dropped ~5% amid these threats, raising concerns about potential cuts to subsidies and contracts.

The exchange marks a dramatic rupture in their alliance, once close until Musk turned against the spending legislation. Trump’s next move may involve reviewing Musk’s government contracts and subsidy eligibility, though any attempt to revoke citizenship or deport would face formidable legal hurdles.