US President Donald Trump Tells Elon Musk to ‘Go Back to South Africa’ Amid Feud Over Subsidies and Spending Bill
Washington, 1st July 2025: US President Donald Trump escalated his public feud with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday, warning that without federal subsidies, Musk would have to “close up shop and head back home to South Africa.” The pointed remarks were delivered in a Truth Social post as the Senate debated Trump’s controversial “Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes sweeping tax cuts and spending reforms.
Trump accused Musk of being the largest beneficiary of government subsidies in US history, stating, “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE”.
The president’s comments came after Musk publicly criticized the spending bill, calling it “political suicide for the Republican Party” and threatening to launch a new “America Party” if the legislation passes. Musk argued that the bill prioritizes outdated industries at the expense of future-focused sectors like electric vehicles and space exploration.
Trump also suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency Musk once led, should investigate the extent of subsidies received by Musk’s companies, claiming this could save the federal government significant funds.
The exchange marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the former allies, with Trump reiterating his opposition to the federal electric vehicle mandate and Musk warning of political consequences if the bill is enacted.
