Trump Suggests Deportation of Elon Musk Amid Ongoing Feud Over Subsidies

In a controversial statement that has sparked widespread debate, former President Donald Trump recently indicated he would "take a look" at the possibility of deporting Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. This comment comes in the wake of a personal feud between the two, which has intensified as Musk criticized Trump's sweeping $4 trillion spending bill and questioned his policies on electric vehicles.

The remarks were made during a press conference on July 1, 2025, where Trump responded to a reporter's inquiry about Musk's immigration status, saying, "I don't know, we'll have to take a look." This statement has reignited discussions about Musk's citizenship, particularly given his South African origins and the intense scrutiny surrounding his business practices.

Trump's criticism of Musk centers on allegations that the billionaire entrepreneur has received excessive government subsidies, which Trump claims have propped up Musk's enterprises. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Musk "may have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa," arguing that without federal contracts and tax benefits, Musk's companies would falter, jeopardizing electric vehicle production and space exploration initiatives in the United States.

The former president's comments have raised eyebrows among analysts and political commentators, highlighting the complex interplay between politics, business, and immigration in contemporary America. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Political Science at Yale University, "Trump's remarks reflect a broader trend of politicizing immigration status to settle personal scores, which could have significant ramifications for business leaders operating in the U.S."

Musk has vehemently defended his position, taking to social media to denounce Trump's spending bill as a "disgusting abomination." He has accused lawmakers of betraying their promises to reduce government spending, claiming that the legislation could increase the national debt by over $3 trillion. Musk's criticism has extended to both major political parties, suggesting a potential formation of a new political entity, dubbed the 'America Party'.

The feud has escalated to the point where former Trump advisor Steve Bannon has publicly called for an investigation into Musk's immigration status. Bannon stated, "They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately." This sentiment was echoed by Congressman Adam Smith, who suggested that Trump should consider deporting Musk for allegedly misrepresenting his immigration history during his path to citizenship.

In response, Musk has clarified that he entered the United States on a J-1 visa, which transitioned to an H-1B visa, and he has denied any wrongdoing regarding his immigration status. He stated, "I was on a J-1 visa that transitioned to an H-1B. They know this, as they have all my records. Losing the election is making them desperate."

Despite their previous camaraderie, the relationship between Trump and Musk has soured dramatically. Once seen as allies, the two have become embroiled in a public feud characterized by insults and accusations. Trump has accused Musk of hypocrisy, asserting that the billionaire has benefited from the very government support he now criticizes. In contrast, Musk argues that Trump's policies threaten innovation and economic growth in the U.S.

The implications of this feud extend beyond personal animosity, affecting the broader landscape of U.S. politics, business, and immigration policy. As the conflict continues to unfold, it raises questions about the future of collaboration between government and industry leaders in an increasingly polarized environment. Analysts suggest that the ongoing hostilities could influence public perception of both figures, potentially shaping their respective futures in American politics and business.

In conclusion, the unfolding drama between Trump and Musk serves as a reminder of the volatile intersection of business and politics in the United States. As both figures navigate their contentious relationship, the ramifications of their conflict may have lasting effects on policy discussions surrounding government subsidies, immigration, and the role of major corporations in American society.