The president asserted that the head of Tesla and SpaceX had obtained a greater amount of US government subsidies “than any person in history.”
US President Donald Trump has proposed an investigation into Elon Musk by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency previously led by the technology magnate, concerning his alleged over-reliance on government financial aid.
Musk, once an associate of Trump, resigned from his role as DOGE chief last month due to conflicts with the president regarding his dubbed “big, beautiful” budget proposal, a bill that features a $5 trillion rise in the debt ceiling. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has frequently spoken out against the legislation, arguing it hindered his efforts with DOGE to reduce federal expenditures.
The technology entrepreneur again criticized the bill and those who backed it on Tuesday, as the US Senate commenced voting on revisions to Trump’s extensive 940-page plan.
“Any member of Congress who campaigned on decreasing government spending and then promptly voted for the largest debt increase ever should be ashamed,” Musk stated on X.
“And they will face defeat in their primary elections next year, even if it’s the last action I take,” he cautioned.
The businessman also repeated his demand for the creation of a new “America Party” to act as “an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty, enabling the populace to truly have a VOICE.”
Trump, asserting that Musk’s true indignation stemmed not from the “big, beautiful bill,” but from Trump’s intentions to curtail government subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs), promptly retaliated against the Tesla and SpaceX CEO in a message on his Truth Social account.
“Elon might receive significantly more subsidies than anyone else in history, and without such aid, he would likely have to cease operations and return to South Africa,” he penned.
Without government support for Musk’s ventures, there would be “no more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Nation would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps DOGE should thoroughly investigate this? ENORMOUS FUNDS TO BE SAVED!!!” Trump emphasized.
“Elon Musk was aware, well before he so emphatically Endorsed me for President, that I strongly opposed the EV Mandate. It is absurd, and consistently formed a significant part of my campaign. Electric vehicles are acceptable, but not everyone should be compelled to own one,” Trump further stated.