U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his feud with former aide Elon Musk on Tuesday, criticizing the substantial government subsidies Musk’s companies continue to receive.
The remarks came in response to the tech billionaire’s renewed public criticism of Trump’s hallmark spending bill.
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far,” Trump said on social media.
“And without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
Musk — who had a bitter public split with the president earlier this month over the bill — repeated his harsh criticisms on Tuesday and once again called for the creation of a new political party as voting began.
In response, Trump hinted that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — previously led by Musk until his resignation in late May — should now focus its attention on the billionaire’s business ventures.
“No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE,” the president said. “Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
Trump is aiming to solidify his legacy with the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative package that would extend his first-term tax cuts—set to expire—at an estimated cost of $4.5 trillion, while also significantly increasing funding for border security.
However, the bill has sparked division within the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Critics point to provisions that would strip health care access from millions of low-income Americans and add over $3 trillion to the national debt.
As voting began on Monday, Elon Musk—currently the world’s richest individual—lashed out at the legislation, accusing Republicans of endorsing “debt slavery.”
“All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America,” he said on social media Tuesday. “What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
Musk has vowed to launch a new political party aimed at challenging lawmakers who, despite campaigning on promises to curb federal spending, ultimately supported the costly legislation.
“VOX POPULI VOX DEI 80% voted for a new party,” he said.
