PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump took aim at Elon Musk on Tuesday in a sharply worded social media post, accusing the Tesla and SpaceX CEO of hypocrisy and dependence on government subsidies, as tensions escalate over Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate… 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.”
Trump’s comments come after Musk publicly criticized a major Trump-backed spending proposal currently moving through Congress, which includes major cuts to electric vehicle tax incentives and clean energy subsidies. The former president’s message appeared to respond directly to Musk’s recent opposition, suggesting that without federal support, Musk’s business empire would be at risk.
Key Points
- Trump targets Musk’s federal subsidies amid clash over clean energy policy
- Musk has criticized Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which slashes EV support
- The feud follows their public fallout in May after Musk distanced himself
Trump also suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should investigate Musk’s use of federal funds, adding, “BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
Musk and Trump have traded public criticisms since early May, when Musk began distancing himself from Trump’s energy policies. While Musk had previously offered praise for Trump, he has since taken a firm stance against elements of the former president’s legislative priorities, particularly those impacting the electric vehicle and space sectors.
The ongoing dispute adds to a growing rift between the two high-profile figures.