President Donald Trump escalated his feud with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on Tuesday, suggesting that the U.S. Office of Government Efficiency should review and potentially reduce federal subsidies and support provided to Musk’s companies. The move follows Musk’s vocal criticism of the administration’s sweeping tax and spending bill currently under debate in the Senate.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Musk “probably receives more government support than any individual in history — by far,” implying that without such assistance, Musk may have been forced to shut down operations and return to South Africa. “No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric vehicles — and our country would save a fortune,” Trump added. He urged the Office of Government Efficiency to conduct a serious review, calling the funds involved “a massive amount of taxpayer money.”
Musk’s Opposition to Trump’s Bill
The tension flared after Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, condemned the proposed legislation in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). He criticized Republican lawmakers who support the bill, accusing them of betraying their promises to reduce federal spending.
“Every member of Congress who campaigned on fiscal responsibility and then voted for the largest debt increase in U.S. history should be ashamed,” Musk wrote. “They will face primary challenges next year — even if that’s the last thing I do.”
Musk also expressed disillusionment with the political system, stating that the bill revealed the U.S. as effectively a “one-party state” and mockingly referred to both Democrats and Republicans as the “Porky Pig Party,” in reference to the cartoon character. He further hinted at launching a new political party — the “American Party” — if the bill passes, emphasizing the need for a political force that “actually cares about the people.”
Internal GOP Divide
The conflict between Trump and Musk highlights growing tensions within the Republican Party over fiscal policy. Trump is pushing for swift passage of the tax and spending package — a centerpiece of his second-term agenda — while Musk and a bloc of fiscal conservatives demand deeper cuts and caution against increasing the national debt.
The bill is being debated in the Senate and is expected to move to the House of Representatives for final consideration if passed. Trump has been pressuring skeptical Republican lawmakers to support the legislation, framing it as critical to fulfilling campaign promises.
Financial Stakes for Musk
Federal assistance to Musk’s ventures is substantial. Tesla has received electric vehicle tax credits and clean energy subsidies, while SpaceX holds lucrative contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense. Any review or rollback of this support could significantly impact the operations of both companies.
Though it remains unclear whether Trump will act on his suggestion, the remarks reflect intensifying political fallout and raise questions about whether business leaders who oppose administration policies could face financial retaliation.
Looking Ahead
As the Senate inches toward a vote, the standoff between Trump and Musk has become a defining subplot in the broader debate over government spending and fiscal priorities. The outcome of the legislation — and the political consequences of this high-profile dispute — could have lasting implications for both U.S. policy and the future alignment of the Republican Party.
